· WITH THE GADGET–LOVING CAFFEINE JUNKIE ·

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PS.Cafe Petit at Tiong Bahru
Visited on a weekend evening and decided to just have desserts and drinks, instead of dinner, as the place was dark and noisy. Staff not only allowed other customers to cut my dining companion's and my queue, but also served them while we had to wait and go back to collect our orders. The pretentious service and differing standard left such a bitter taste in my mouth that I will not be back.

Blood Orange Minted Sorbet

The Sunday Times Masterchef Workshop
Attended the one with Heman Tan, Executive Chef of JP Pepperdine Group, where the triathlete and award-winning ceramist demonstrated two dishes in an hour. 

Brown Rice Pilaf with Chicken Schnitzel,
Curry Dips & Arugula Salad
While I learnt to cook coconut rice and prepare curry dip with ease as well as the trick to crispy schnitzel, the dish failed to turn me into a fan of brown rice despite what Chef Tan had hoped.

Tomato with Basil Pasta Sauce & Ginger
Flower Flavoured Fruity "Red" Rojak





I loved the juicy rose apple and crunchy green apple, but not the fusilli and tempeh, in this dish that toppled as it was plated.


Crystal Jade Pristine @ Scotts Square
Located on the 3rd floor, splatters of purple stood out against neutral palette of grey and dark wood. Surprisingly quiet on a weekend evening, the specialty here is its nourishing, organic and exquisite menu.

Pan-fried Scallop & Vegetable Paste
Coated with Almond Flake

Australian scallop and baby pak choy from Cameron Highlands were minced into a smooth paste before it was coated with American almond flakes and pan-fried  not too oily with a nice aroma.

Stewed Duck & Chicken with Cordycep
Flower in Casserole




While the stewed chicken was good, could not say the same of the duck that was too tough in this cloyingly-sweet dish.


Poached Prawn & Baby Chinese
Spinach in Superior Broth
 


Could neither rave about nor fault on this dish, commonly found on the menus of Chinese restaurants, though I have tasted better versions elsewhere.


The restaurant has since closed.

Maccha House @ Orchard Central
Hailing from Kyoto, the B1 space boosts a cheerful lime green against lots of wood. Visited for dinner on a weekday, and did not try its desserts and drinks.

Tonkotsu Ramen

Broth had a nice aroma and whites of soft-boiled egg, with runny yolk in the centre, were too mushy. Could neither rave about nor fault the thin ramen but chasyu was too fatty for my liking.





SUN with MOON Japanese Dining & Cafe @ Wheelock Place
Ordered from its seasonal menu  Kyushu Gourmet Experience (16 Nov 2012  8 Jan 2013), instead of the regular one.

Goma Salmon

Sweetness of fresh sliced salmon sashimi was accentuated when dipped in the accompanying special soya sauce and soft-boiled egg.

Miyazaki Beef Sushi





While flame-broiled Miyazaki wagyu beef atop the sushi was too chewy for my liking.



Unagi Crunch Roll

Loved the added crunch from savoury fish roe on top of prawn tempura and grilled eel sushi roll.

Kurobata Gyoza
Wagyu Kalbi Yaki

Nothing to rave about or fault on the pan-fried Berkshire pork dumplings filled with cabbage, chives and garlic from Fukuoka.


Similarly for the juicy and tender grilled Australian waygu beef in special sauce  a tad sweet but not overwhelmingly so.