Hot Off The Hob January: Restaurant News in Singapore

Foodies: we bring you the latest in Singapore food news including new menus, new foodie products, new chefs and restaurant relocations

This month we bring you news of new brunch ideas; free-flow brunch with stunning views and a kid-friendly brunch right next to ArtScience Museum where kids eat free. Plus here’s how to eat healthier this year with chemical-free, wholesome Tasmanian goodies, a healthy lunchbox service, and that foodie trend that won’t go away, poké delivered to your door. And more!

Tasmania Food & Wine Co — wholesome food and wine from Tassie farmers

Looking for organic without the hefty price tag? Keep an eye out for food from Tasmania where there’s an absence of growth hormones, steroids and GMO’s (as they are all strictly prohibited by law), while the amenable climate means farmers have no need for chemicals that are often applied to crops. Where to find wholesome Tasmanian produce in Singapore? Tasmania Food & Wine Co.! Tassie-born Simon and his wife, Allison, founded Tasmania Food & Wine Co. with the belief that great tasting and high-quality food should be made available and affordable to everyone. They source directly from farmers, many of whom have been producing the same food for generations. Due to the small-scale nature of these farms, quantity is usually limited but quality is never compromised. The food is honest, farm fresh, and changes with the seasons. Tasmania Food & Wine Co. stocks everything from cheese to whiskey. Their Ashgrove Farm’s Premium Vintage Cheddar ($8.90), Gold Medal winner at the Hobart Fine Food Awards, is handmade and matured for 18 months to develop a strong flavour and natural bite. Try the Tasmanian Manuka honey (from $29.90) for your kid’s brekkie — it’s famous for its anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory properties. And from Tasmania’s untouched pollution-free waters come deliciously fresh seafood such as the Woodbridge Smokehouse Cold Smoked Atlantic Salmon or Trout ($25.90). Their wines and whiskeys include the World’s Best Single Malt, the first time a distillery outside Scotland or Japan has won the award. On the non-alcoholic side, the Elderflower Sparkling, made from fresh handpicked flowers of the elder tree, is a delightful antioxidant-rich alternative to wine and fizzy drinks. Finally, the Cool Climate 2016 Silver Medal Winner, Ashbolt Farm’s Olive Oil (from $15.90), has free fatty acid levels of 0.2%, 4 times better than the International Olive Oil Council’s standard. Delivery is free on orders over $200 (or $15 for orders under this)!

www.tasfoodandwine.com

Carrotsticks & Cravings — new branch at Rob Quay!

Fancy a healthy bowl of superfoods or an almond latte? You’ll be stoked to know that Carrotsticks & Cravings has opened a branch at Robertson Quay. They are known amongst foodies for serving up pretty IG-friendly dishes like Smashed Avo, Feta and Dukkah on sourdough toast ($16), Acai Bowls ($14) and the highly Instagrammable Ricotta and Fig on Sourdough with Chai Granola ($17). Read all about the Dempsey location Carrotsticks & Cravings cafe and what they serve up here.

Carrotsticks & Cravings, 7 Rodyk Street #01-34 Robertson Quay, www.carrotsticksandcravings.com

EDITOR’S PICK!
LeVeL33 — Beer influenced menu and stunning views

LeVeL33 is the world’s highest urban microbrewery thanks to its location on the 33rd floor of Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1. It’s long been one of our go-to’s when guests are in town to wow them with that view of our fabulous city. There’s a great alfresco area with bar snacks and beer, or you can dine inside where the menu is elevated. Craft beer is the name of the game here, with beers brewed with strict adherence to authentic recipes and traditional techniques using only German speciality malts. The core range sees Blond Lager; English-style India Pale Ale; Bavarian-style Wheat Beer; Stout, inspired by Irish dry stouts; and Porter. You can try a selection of them by ordering the Beer Paddle (lookout for the Brut Beer made thanks to Château Mouton Rothschild sharing their champagne yeast!). A new a-la-carte food menu has been designed by new Executive Chef ArChan Chan using elements from all stages of beer brewing – from the beer liquors to the by-products such as the protein-rich spent grain. The Quail ($27) uses house-brewed Stout to marinate and tenderize the bird and a Stout glaze to balance with sweetness. Hokkaido Scallop ($24) sees two plump scallops in a dashi boosted with LeVeL33’s Wheat Beer. The most memorable dish using beer elements has to be the locally sourced Sea Bass ($36) on a rice-free risotto. Side note: don’t miss the new dish, Garden Greens Tart ($29), which we think works best as a side dish given it’s vegan and light. The tart is actually deep-fried taro filled with pretty garden greens in a carrot juice dressing — a stunning creation and delicious.

LeVeL33, 8 Marina Boulevard, #33-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1, Singapore 018981, Tel: (+65) +65 6834 3133, www.level33.com.sg

Nourish — Affordable wholesome food delivered

Nourish is all about really healthy food and juices using the best ingredients available at a price that’s still affordable.  Think delicious salads, assembled meals, cold-pressed juices, nut butter and chia seed puddings delivered to your home or office — perfect for weekday lunches or corporate meetings! The selection of hearty salads packed with fresh, premium ingredients like Australian organic grass-fed beef and Alaskan wild-caught salmon are not only super tasty, but very healthy, too. Nourish uses meat that’s raised without antibiotics and synthetic growth hormones, and as much as possible organic vegetables. They make their own almond milk and fruit puree with dates (no refined sugar) for their chia pudding, too (see offer below)! For now, Nourish needs one day notice for your lunch order (that way there is no food wastage as everything is made to order), so plan your order in advance. How about the Thai Tom Yum Beef Salad with Aussie beef for $16 or a vegan meal at $13? We especially love their care for the environment; meal boxes are made of high-grade compostable material and juices are delivered in glass jars that can be easily cleaned and reused. Nourish deliver for a minimum of $30 order in a total bill, with a delivery fee of $7. For orders of $100 and above, delivery is free.

To celebrate their 2-year anniversary you can get 2 of their chia puddings FREE with every order above $40. Just enter the promo code 2YEARSOLD at check out!

www.nourish.sg

EDITOR’S PICK!
Joe & Dough — New outlet at HV with first dine-in menu

Joe & Dough‘s newly opened outlet at Holland Village is the first outlet ever to offer an all-day dining menu and the largest Joe & Dough outlet in Singapore to date. The 90-seater two-storey shophouse features a dining menu of eight all-day brunch items, eight mains and five sides. Dishes to look out for are the healthy Smashed Avocado with Apricot Confit ($12) featuring avocado, apricot confit, onions, and sesame seeds on sourdough toast served with greens on the side, the Smoked Salmon Ochazuke ($16) and the Short Ribs Mac & Triple Cheese ($20), with sous vide grain-fed beef short ribs served on elbow pasta with a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan. Another hit is the 24 Hours Slow-Cooked Short Rib Bowl ($18) served with sous vide egg tomato confit, fried garlic, and pickled cucumber on vinegared Koshihikari rice. Aside from coffees, the drinks menu includes Cha Coolers in different flavours ($6) and sweet treats like pastries, Chocolate Brownies ($4.20), and Sea salt Caramel Bars ($4.50). There’s free Wi-Fi and charging stations at the back, making this little spot a cute coffice, too.

Joe & Dough, 269 Holland Avenue Singapore 278990, Tel: (+65) 6219 3517, www.joeanddough.com

        Read more: Coffices in SG: The Best Work-Friendly Wi-Fi Cafés in Town

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar — New name, new brunch!

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar – formerly known in Singapore as The Bird Southern Table & Bar – has now changed its name to that of its parent company Yardbird. The classic American restaurant has also just launched a new Great American Brunch on the weekends, featuring innovative brunch items created by two-time James Beard award finalist chef Hedy Goldsmith. What kid wouldn’t be bowled over by the fluffy, mile-high Funfetti Pancakes ($22) with rainbow sprinkles (pictured in our main image)? Another eye-catching dish is the Doughnut Tree ($16), featuring a medley of six colourful glazed treats in three flavours that change every week! For mum and dad, the Chicken & Egg Biscuit Sandwich ($22) or the Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast maybe? If you are here for dinner, Yardbird’s signatures include the show-stopping Smoked Pork Ribs ($42) and Chicken ‘N’ Watermelon ‘N’ Waffles ($40). Located at the South Promenade of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, this spot is a firm fave for pre- or post-weekend fun at ArtScience Museum nearby. Take a peek at the new open dining space on Level 1 with fab views of the bay and outdoor dining – best enjoyed over brunch or at night with their music and bar offerings.

    Read more: Kids Eat Free & Free-Flow: Tasty Weekend Brunch Specials at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar

Yardbird Southern Table and Bar, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, L1-82 (Bay Level) and B1-07 (Galleria Level), 2 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018972, Tel: (+65) 6688 9959, www.marinabaysands.com/the bird

SKAI — New weekend brunch 

SKAI (that spot with coveted views of the city from the 70th floor of the iconic Swissôtel The Stamford) has a new weekend brunch (on Saturdays too, hurray!).  Chef Paul Hallett’s hot and cold dishes are brought to your table with free-flow drinks: bespoke cocktails, craft wines and Champagne. Then prepare to unbuckle your belts for the dessert buffet by award-winning pastry Chef Koo Jee. Main dishes range from Wagyu Beef Tataki with pickled eryngii and ponzu, to Black Cod Fish with potato and sweet corn to cold seafood platters and charcuterie. Settle into the stunning dining room with a Bloody SKAI, with bacon-washed T&T Wheat Vodka, dill Sherry, spicy mix and tomato juice, or maybe a slushie version of the iconic Singapore Sling, and just admire those unparalleled views of the lion city. Children are welcome, but the vibe here is more adults enjoying their downtime (and the free-flow drinks!). SKAI brunch is served every Saturday from 12.00pm – 3.30pm and every Sunday from 11.30am – 3.30pm at $168++ for brunch and free-flow house wine, Champagne and cocktails. Children are $58++ (from 6 – 12 years of age), and $88++ for children from 12 – 18 years of age (the same as any adult who opts for the no-alcohol package).

SKAI, Level 70,  Swissôtel  The Stamford,  2  Stamford Rd,  Singapore  178882, Tel: (+65) 6837 3322, or email [email protected], www.swissotel.com

      Read more: Ultimate Brunch Guide: Free-Flow Champagne Buffets, Kids Eat Free & More

Tok Tok Indonesian Soup House — New dishes

If you’ve been on the hunt for authentic Indonesian fare in Singapore, guess what – Tok Tok Indonesian Soup House has actually been under our noses this whole time. And if you’re already a fan, we’ll high five you! Serving up original recipes straight from every corner of Indonesia (none of that diluted-to-suit-local-tastebuds flavour here), we’ve been finding ourselves slurping up their Soto Madura ($8.80), Soto Betawi ($9.50) and Soup Buntut ($9.50) till the last drop… Served with rice, these comforting dishes really hit the spot on a rainy day. If you’re in the mood for eating big, try a bit of everything with their new dish Nasi Campur ($9.90), which features stir-fried fried long beans, sambal tempeh and tender balado-style beef on a stick. Not to be missed also are the Ayam Bakar, Ayam Penyet and speciality noodle dishes. Don’t forget to have their extra Spicy Sambal for that fiery kick!

Tok Tok Indonesian Soup House, locations in Ann Siang, Somerset and Paya Lebar, www.toktok.com.sg

JAAN — New winter menu

‘Reinventing British’ is a theme that’s close to Chef Kirk Westaway of acclaimed restaurant JAAN. His new winter menu is an ode to his winter memories of England. Diners will be taken on a journey through Chef Kirk’s nostalgic moments, delivered through the creative use of flavours, artistic presentation and meticulous attention to detail. Rabbit Pie snack is inspired by the wintry British game pie, Langoustine with Celeriac, pays homage to the earthy flavours of the nutty root vegetable, followed by Venison with Quince and ending with Pear Tart. The lunch 4-course set menu starts from $98++ while the 8-course set menu is $268++ (Vegetarian option available).

JAAN, Level 70, Swissôtel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178882, Tel: (+65) 6837 3322, www.jaan.com.sg

    Read more: The Best Spots to Sample Singapore’s Poké Craze

EDITOR’S PICK!
Aloha Poké— New poké menu additions

Aloha Poké, the first and largest Hawaiian poké concept in Singapore with eight outlets, has a refreshed menu to celebrate 3 years of their famous poké featuring sashimi grade raw fish. Choose from tuna and salmon (in Original, Wasabi Mayo and Spicy dressings), plus an array of toppings like jalapeno, edamame, superfoods like chia and pomegranate, avocado, nuts and even kale, all served over rice. The news is that there are five new premium add-ons, three new standard add-ons, three new cooked Poké options and three new signature Poké Bowls plus the super on trend carb-free Cauliflower Rice as a base. The above pictured Green Giant bowl ($17.90) comes packed with goodness served on top of the spiced cauliflower rice: a veggie bowl with nutty sesame tofu chunks, king mushrooms and garlic chips. We tried this and it was a hot fave. Not into raw fish and can’t do veggie? Not a prob. There’s a new poké in town — choose the Habanero Cooked Chicken option when you build your own bowl (from $10.90) but watch out: this hot new number packs a real spicy punch and is a little addictive once you try it!

Aloha Poké, various locations, www.alohapoke.com.sg

Fatburger Singapore  — New delivery

You can now get your dose of Fatburgers delivered to your door through Foodpanda, Deliveroo, Grabfood, Honestbee and
Fatburger’s in-house delivery service. Fatburger’s in-house delivery service also supports bulk orders, with free delivery for orders above $100! Just in time for the upcoming Chinese New Year gatherings!

Fatburger, Velocity @ Novena Square,  #01-08/09, 238 Thomson Road, Singapore 307683, www.fatburgersg.com

EVENT
Art at CURATE (18 to 24 January 2019) — with Executive Chef Guillaume Bracaval 

Acclaimed Art at CURATE dining series at Resorts World Sentosa returns, this time showcasing international culinary maestros from Michelin-starred restaurants known for pairing the finest French culinary traditions with Japanese ingredients and influences. The series starts with Executive Chef Guillaume Bracaval of two Michelin-starred Michel Troisgros in Tokyo and his innovative French-Japanese haute cuisine. Chef Bracaval will team up with CURATE’s Chef de Cuisine Benjamin Halat for lunch and dinner from 18 to 24 January; diners can look forward to a four-course lunch ($138++) or  eight-course dinner ($308++) of Jerusalem Artichoke with Egg and Herbs, an intriguing appetiser comprising fresh egg with black truffles; Poached Cod Fish and Mustard; as well as the iconic main course Beef Entrecôte of diced succulent beef cubes with potato and parmesan shavings. The next Art at CURATE Series 14 will take place 10 to 16 May 2019 with Chef Ryuta Iizuka of two-Michelin starred French-Japanese Restaurant Ryuzu in Tokyo, and the following Art at CURATE Series 15 (16 to 22 August 201) features Chef Daisuke Mori of one-Michelin starred Takumi by Daisuke Mori in Hong Kong.