Republic Bar – Christmas Drinks Now Available!

It’s that time of year again… & Republic Bar has a Festive Cocktails menu with 5 options (at $26++ a pop) to get your Christmas spirit on. Available daily ’til 31st December 2022, from 5:30pm onwards.

I couldn’t pass up Eggnog (pictured in the tall glass, next to the Negroni), as it is one of my favourite things about Christmas – especially the alcoholic variant. Creamy, sweet drinks deviate vastly from my typical go-to flavour profile for cocktails… But this is probably the only exception.

Expectedly, this is dangerously easy to drink. Quite reminiscent of when I’d put Bailey’s in my milk & cereal, & sit at the back of the LT to inconspicuously slurp it up during class. But this drink is better, in part because it isn’t as sweet as the “cereal milk” left behind post-meal.

The lightness in the whipped texture of cream & egg provides a comforting mouthfeel in every sip. & as you swallow, you get the warm contrasting depth of the dark spirits – Barcadi 8 & Michter’s Bourbon. Of course, there is that touch of nutmeg for a homely Christmas feel… The warm hug that envelopes everything so nicely together.

I enjoyed this from start to finish, but am cognizant that I might be a little bit biased, festival-wise. Try it for yourself & pass your own judgement 😉

Hot Buttered Rum ($26++) was recommended by one of the friendly waitresses. I originally thought I’d stop at 1 Christmas drink, having had a few from the regular menu already… But this sounded too good to pass up.

I was pleasantly surprised.. I loved this even more than Eggnog! Super baffled – because I eat my kaya toast without butter (don’t judge), yet I’d happily drink a litre of this warm, comforting buttery rum…? What sorcery is this!?

Perhaps it was the simplicity of this drink that won me over: Bacardi 8, butter, festive spices. & as I’d mentioned above, it’s served warm. So past the creamy top that gives you a comical moustache, you get that warm fuzzy feeling inside that feels almost self-healing. Mana regen ftw.

Other drinks on Republic Bar’s Festive Cocktails menu:

𝑴𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝑾𝒊𝒏𝒆 ($26++)
Remy Martin VSOP, Shiraz, Citrus, Festive Spices

𝑷𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒂 ($26++)
Telmont Champagne, Cointreau, Cranberry Juice

𝑷𝒊𝒎𝒎’𝒔 𝑾𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑪𝒖𝒑 ($26++)
Pimm’s No. 1, Lager, Ginger

💳 Accepts credit cards
🌬 Indoor seats only
🖥 Accepts reservations – I used SevenRooms
💦 Water is not chargeable; neither are the dish of nuts served as nibbles
📍 Inside the Ritz-Carlton, Millenia

Tempura Makino’s First Outlet Outside Japan – in Suntec City

A well-established tempura specialty chain in Japan, Tempura Makino, has come to our shores! Conveniently located at #02-305/308/311 of Suntec City’s West Wing, it’s near Donki (if you need a landmark) & nearer to Esplanade than Promenade MRT.

Within the premises, there are options to dine at booth or counter seats – if you’re seated at the latter, you get a good view of chef freshly preparing made-to-order tempura.

Tempura Makino’s Interior – Booth/Counter Seats

Tempura Makino’s style of tempura is right up my alley. As you can see, the batter is light & crispy. Really appreciate how it’s not dripping (or even soggy – eeks) in oil. They even have Mochi Ice Cream Tempura ($4.80++/piece)!? There are 2 flavour options: Strawberry/Matcha. Mochi gives this dessert a chewy texture, alongside the ice cream which is creamy & takes a while to melt. While I don’t have a sweet tooth, hence am undecided if I’d order this again, this gets plus points for novelty.

I am a MASSIVE lover of eggs, & their Tempura Egg ($2.50++/pc) me greatly 😂 After seeing Jamie’s Instagram stories & hearing her rave about it, I must say it lived up to my expectations. I enjoyed every slurpy bit of it & could totally eat this on its own to savour the creaminess of the yolk. But I found myself pairing it together with the other tempura we had & enjoying it more that way.

Speaking of creamy – know what else is creamy? These Tempura Oysters ($3.80++/pc)! They were absolutely bursting in my mouth.. & I was shocked when Jamie revealed these are priced so affordably. IMHO they tasted & felt more lux than that. Will definitely order this again the next time I’m here.

Special shoutout goes to the noods, which are available in cold/hot options – we picked cold for both.

I loved how silky smooth the Inaniwa Udon ($7.80++) is, & enjoyed the Soba ($6.80++) that I nicked from Evan. Both are good for sure, & it probably is a matter of preference as both of us had a different favourite carb choice.

Wash down your meal with some refreshing ice cold draft beer – I had a pint of Asahi Super Dry ($13.80++/pint, $8.80++/half-pint)…

… Or pair it with their housepour sake:
❄ [Cold] Tomioh Gin No Tsukasa Junmai Daiginjo ($48++/300ml, $30++/180ml)
🔥 [Hot] Hakushika Nadajikomi ($30++/300ml, $20++/180ml)
🍶 They also have other sake bottles available for the discerning ones (i.e. not me)

Housepour Cold Sake – Tomioh Gin No Tsukasa Junmai Daiginjo

Other tempura items on their food menu include:
➡ Prawn & Vegetable Tempura ($16++): A nice platter of Prawns (3 pieces), Eggplant, Maitake (mushroom), Butternut Pumpkin, French Bean, Lotus Root

➡ Chicken Fillet ($5.80++/plate): I’m not a huge fan of chicken tempura, but this is one of the better ones out there. The chicken was juicy & thankfully not dry

➡ Mentai Seaweed ($6.80++/plate): A heaping amount of mentai in this one – personally too overwhelming for me, but A+ for generosity! Probably best eaten with rice to balance out the salty flavours. Seaweed remains crispy alongside the light tempura batter 👌🏻

➡ Asparagus ($2.80++/piece): My favourite veggie tempura of them all – well executed, with a lovely crunch to the bite. There’s an Asparagus with Bacon ($4.80++/plate) option as well, for the porky lovers. I’d imagine that’d add a nice savoury touch to the Taste of Green.

➡ Okinawan Mozuku Seaweed ($5.80++/plate): No this is not hair LOL. It’s quite a sight to behold, also delightfully crunchy, & I think this is where the light batter really shines. I can’t imagine this being enjoyable in a thicker batter & dripping in oil. I loved chowing down on this goodness with the tempura egg 😉

Thanks Jamie/EN Group for the invite & hospitality! 💕

Gather – Try it once & call it good

Comparing against previous reviews – looks like Gather has upped the price of the Off the Bone Galette ($18++). It had good texture, but the flavours were just ordinary. A bit too salty for me. I wasn’t expecting too much from ham, gruyere, cheddar & egg though, tbh.

White Coffee, 5oz ($5++) was weak & it felt like I was drinking milk. Wouldn’t recommend…

On the brighter side, service here was very attentive & the staff always made sure my glass of water was topped up & full.

In all, this felt like an overpriced tea time snack… Glad I tried it once, but unfortunately I personally wouldn’t return for more.

💳 Accepts credit cards
🌬 Air-conditioned seats only
📱 Accepts GrabPay
🔊 Acoustics indoors are very echo-ey
📶 No free WiFi
💦 Water is not chargeable

Tsuruhashi Fugetsu – Lunch Specials & Modern Okonomiyaki

For those who work in the area, Tsuruhashi Fugetsu’s affordable weekday lunch specials at $16.80++ are worth checking out. From Mon – Fri, 11:30 – 14:30hrs, choose from a different special of the day, all of which are centered around yakisoba (fried egg noodles):

Mon: Spicy Shoyu Yakisoba
Tue: Mentai Mayo Shio Yakisoba (pictured)
Wed: Omelette Yakisoba
Thu: Negi Mayo Shio Yakisoba
Fri: Cheese Yakisoba

Mentai Mayo Shio Yakisoba

All specials come with rice, teriyaki chicken, & miso soup… Dang y’all be so full after that, rollin’ back to work.

Their Modanyaki ($10.80++ onwards) is their take on a modern okonomiyaki – featuring savoury pancakes with a twist. You get the crispness of fresh cabbage, the chewyness of yakisoba, & flavours of various meat/seafood within.

Modanyaki – A Work of Art

This was fried on both sides before my very eyes, timed to perfection as how the Japanese take pride in their craft. A generous amount of cabbage goes into the modanyaki; the fibre helps to make this dish less oily, which I certainly value.

Fresh ingredients for okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki in the making

Want to get your daily dose of veggies in? Try this. 😝

Thanks @alhsx for the invite & Brand Cellar + Tsuruhashi Fugetsu for the hospitality! 💕

💳 Accepts credit cards
🌬 Air-conditioned seats only
🖥 Accepts reservations on Chope & Quandoo

Eat at Seven’s Udon Kamon – Scrumptious Fusion Udon

Udon has grown on me in recent years – especially when I’m craving for something carby. The new menu at Eat At Seven’s Udon Kamon is right up my alley, with hawker-inspired udon dishes.

Local twists on high quality udon

Walking that fine balance with the innovativeness of local cuisine, yet staying true to its Japanese roots, diners have 3 specialty dishes to indulge in:

Dark Sauce Dry Udon

The Dark Sauce Dry Udon ($10.80++) has such a simple name that doesn’t fully capture how delicious it is. This was a hot favourite amongst everyone at the table, quite closely following its inspiration of KL chilli ban mee.

The spicy & sweet dark sauce coats the udon very well. With ingredients like with minced pork, crispy anchovies, vegetables & half an ajitsuke tamago – dare I say this is a pretty dang balanced dish!

Ipoh Style Chicken Udon

The Ipoh Style Chicken Udon ($10.80++) is my personal favourite, subtly reminiscent of Ipoh-style hor fun. Imagine their signature sanuki udon in a delicious soy-based gravy that is light on the palate & fragrant, with plump mushrooms providing that earthy flavour, & juicy texture. The silky smooth sliced chicken thigh is steamed with ginger & Japanese leek, & thereafter drizzled with light soy sauce & black sesame oil.

Are you salivating already? The multi-dimensional layers of flavours are why this was my favourite dish of the night 😍

Truffle Beef Ying Yang Udon

Last but certainly not least, tantilize your tastebuds & noses with the Truffle Beef Ying Yang Udon ($15.80++). The sauce, made from XO sauce, truffle & bean paste, is umami & thick though not overwhelming. The truffle smell is pretty strong though 😉

I didn’t expect the interesting double-texture of the udon noodles to work so well. Half of the udon is flattened & fried such that it is slightly crispy, even after soaking in the sauce for a while.

Thanks @alhsx for the invite & Brand Cellar + Udon Kamon for the hospitality! 💕

💳 Accepts credit cards
🌬 Air-conditioned seats only
🖥 Accepts reservations on Chope & Quandoo

Eventasty Beef Noodles – Optimising Cashback with Shopback GO

Don’t you just love it with you get to have a good meal & optimize your returns for eating out?

Case in point: Clicked through Shopback to make a booking via Eatigo = $1.50 cashback:

At the time I dined at Eventasty 一碗田 Hand-pulled Noodles, the Eatigo discount was a cool 40% = even more savings!

Ordered my bowl of Marinated Beef Shank Noodles ($7.90+); was impressed that you can add more noodles to your order FOR FREE #carbsoncarbs.

Boosted my cashback on Shopback GO to 10%:

Paid with my linked credit card & my cashback was tracked instantaneously:

Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t the best bowl of beef noodles ever. The beef slides are fairly thin (though delicious). I think the additional noodles meant that my soup was absorbed by them extra quickly, too. But the noodles are well made, what little I tasted of the soup was refreshing & tasty. & the chilli I added to my bowl was shiok!

Overall, it was a comforting bowl of noodles in this cold weather, & was a very affordable meal for me. & yes, I would dine here again. They have some other options like tomato soup bases & dry mushroom sauce noodles that I’d be keen to try.

You can also watch chef actually pull your noodles!

💳 Accepts credit cards
🌬 Air-conditioned seats available
☀ Al fresco seats available
🖥 Accepts reservations – I used Eatigo via Shopback
🍽 Shopback GO partner
📱 Accepts FavePay (but you won’t get Shopback GO cashback then)
📶 Free WiFi available (Funan is a Capitaland Mall)
🙋🏻 Service charge applicable
🚫 No GST

Almost Famous Craft Beer Bar – Good Variety, Nice Happy Hour

I’ve been wanting to pop by Almost Famous Craft Beer Bar for the longest time – finally did, albeit when happy hour was just over.

Happy Hour at this hole in the wall at CHIJMES is 4 – 7PM (Mon – Sat) / 2 – 8PM (Sun). Pints of craft beer go for $10+, premium craft beer for $12+.

Happy Hour at Almost Famous Craft Beer Bar

I missed Happy Hour, but I still enjoyed my pint of Passionfruit Wheat Ale ($14+) from Pasteur Street Brewing. Citrusy & fruity, there are hints of passionfruit & lemon, more so the former than latter so it isn’t sour like a saison. A light & delicious beer that pleases the crowd, & which I would order again.

Light & refreshing, I’m sure Pasteur Street’s Passionfruit Wheat Ale is a popular beer

Happy Hour or not, whatever you swipe your (linked) credit card for, you’ll get cashback from Shopback GO! I actually didn’t know this until I checked my phone after I swiped 😂

Sat at the bar counter with my back turned to the world; but before I immersed myself in some me time, I looked around & found the decor to be pretty simple. With various tones of grey & silver, the style is very metallic, almost like the interior of a spaceship.

One downside is that reception was pretty bad here.. I sat at the bar, not sure if it varies throughout the premises as they don’t have a huge space). WiFi also isn’t for public use, so I left after 1 beer.

I’ll probably return with a friend, or if I have offline work to do. 🍻

They had a food menu which I didn’t order from – instead, this coaster was my food for thought

💳 Accepts credit cards
🌬 Air-conditioned seats only
🍽 Shopback GO partner
📶 No free WiFi
🙋🏻‍♀️ Service charge applicable
🚫 No GST

Yuzu Tsukemen at Afuri

Afuri‘s specialty is yuzu ramen – they have all sorts, but I chose the Yuzu Tsukemen ($15.90++), the dipping ramen, which a friend had highly raved about earlier. Obviously, because this is dipping ramen, don’t expect it to be piping hot like a soupy ramen is. Please hor.

Pick up some noodles with your chopsticks, dunk it in the sauce, & slurp. As I slurped on my noodles, I felt pleased with my good judgement. The citrus flavour from the yuzu adds a refreshing twist to the savoury sauce.

It doesn’t look like it in this photo, but the dipping sauce is plentiful. You won’t run out, nor will you want to finish it all because this isn’t a soup & it is too salty on its own to drink. Being a non-fan of Japan (haven’t been there in >15 years), I can’t say for sure how authentic this is. But I can tell you I definitely enjoyed it.

The pork chunks had little layers of fat on it, but I still felt the meat was a bit too dry for my liking. Thankfully, it wasn’t overly tough to chew, so I finished it all. The other ingredients – half a boiled egg (with a nicely runny yolk in the middle!) & bamboo shoots, were in good proportion with respect to the ramen noodles.

💳 Accepts credit cards
🌬 Air-conditioned seats only
📱 Accepts FavePay
🍽️ Earn points with your J Passport membership
📶 Free WiFi (Funan is a CapitaLand Mall)
💦 Water is not chargeable

Happy Shucking Hour at The Oyster Bank

Took me a while to get acknowledged by the staff at The Oyster Bank – waiting at the “please wait to be seated” sign for almost 5 minutes didn’t exactly give me a very good first impression to begin with.

Happy Hour here is from 12 – 9PM daily, & Happy Shucking Hour is 5 – 8PM on weekdays, 3 – 6PM on weekends. Double reasons to be happy. This was the reason why I came here in the first place.

During Happy Shucking Hour, naked oysters go at $2++ a pop (usual price $3.90++). You can order a maximum of 6 naked oysters per drink.

I ordered a glass of Somerton Cabernet Sauvignon ($10++ HH / $13++ U.P.); was shocked to find a glass of white wine delivered to me. They messed that up, but nothing unforgivable lah. Sent it back & got a glass of the correct wine shortly after.

The oysters are pretty delicious; not crazy plump, but I love how they are quite creamy & with a hint of brineyness to them. Wine was not bad, so in all I’d return for Happy (Shucking or otherwise) Hour again.

💳 Accepts credit cards
🌬 Air-conditioned seats only
🛋 Bar & table seats available
📶 Free WiFi (Funan is a CapitaLand Mall)

Plump Oysters, Unfortunately Inconsistent Quality

5 for $5+ oysters on Friday at The Beacon, while stocks last. I was here around 6:30PM & they still had this promotion. The premises was only half-filled, with the crowd slowly trickling in to full house by the time I left at 7:45PM.

So these oysters are creamy, which I love. They are also large, which I appreciate. HOWEVER, even with a sample size of 5, I found the quality largely inconsistent. This is quite a turn-off for me, so it’s unfortunately unlikely I’ll be back.

To get in on the oysters promotion, you need to order a drink. Happy hour meant that I got my house pour whiskey 1-for-1. I might come back here if convenient. If not for the oysters, the happy hour.

💳 Accepts credit cards
☀ Indoor seats are not air-conditioned
📶 Free WiFi available