Siamese Cat Restaurant

**Right this moment I want to kick myself for discarding the receipt for our meal here. Pardon me if I can't give the actual name of the item. Not to mention the price.

We were heading out for dinner for my bro's belated birthday celebration and were planning on a new eating place to try out. My bro remarked that he saw this restaurant along Changi Road called something along the line of 'Siam Cat' when he drove past. He said that the 'Halal' symbol was quite prominent, making him really curious.

I knew right then, what he was talking about. I always came by this area for lunch with my colleagues. We usually frequent 'Bagus' Yong Tau Foo, located at the very end on the same row. Ever since I knew of their 'Halal' certification, I got pretty curious, too.

With a name like 'Siamese Cat', I naturally assumed that they serve Thai food (you really can't fault me for that). Imagine my surprise to know that they also serve Cantonese food (my mind immediately flew to Razack's Kitchen, located 2 doors down).

Even more interesting, they actually use organic tofu, vegetable and rice. There's also freshly squeezed organic fruit juice, even organic tea and coffee.

Interior 

Upon entering, you can't help but be taken in by the use of psychedelic colours and vivid slants (even the picture frames) to jazz up the pretty stark interior.

Also can't help noticing how every table's furnishing sets are different from one another. Very quirky in that sense.

And also how they play mellow music that makes you feel like in a spa (or something to that extent).

Long table

For big group reservation, perhaps?

Towards the kitchen and washrooms

There are a couple of clean toilet cubicles with wash hand basin inside. There's another basin for washing hands outside.

Refreshment counter & storeroom cum mussolah

My dad casually asked the person manning the dining floor, if they have a 'corner' for us to pray at at since it's already Maghrib.

He pointed towards the store room located behind the refreshment counter. Their teeny-tiny store room (behind that door with the Quranic verses) can only accommodate 1 person at a time. There's a prayer mat inside but no 'telekung' (female prayer garb), though.

The said staff is also very friendly. He patiently stood by as we kept changing our minds on what to order, he made helpful recommendations and enquired back with us about the food. Best of all, he tolerated my toddler's antics. :P

Refreshing drink

I remember my brother ordering ice-lemon tea (or something like that). My dad and I chose a hot, ginger drink.

The ginger drink was not really for everyone. It had this 'herbal' kind of taste, akin to Chinese medicine (to me, that is). And it's not sweetened. I enjoyed it though, for I'm the kind who don't mind her medication. really warm the belly and help to ease indigestion.

And that drink above, two glasses of those came to our table (we only ordered one). In my thirst, I drank it anyway. Oh gosh. That drink was tasty or what? Was that really lemon tea?? Maybe it's honey-lemon tea, I don't know (I threw out the receipt, remember?).

Another thing was that I asked for plain water for my kiddo and I also drank it (I was really thirsty). The plain water tasted somewhat different (in a nice way). When I was heading to the storeroom to pray, I saw that they have this water dispenser (the hot/cold type). I actually wondered if they serve water from that. And they really did.

They call it 'anti-oxidant alkaline' water'. Whoa, the extent that they go to serve healthier things… Even water isn't excluded. 

Sour and Spicy soup

As we scan through the 'soup' section of the menu, my eyes lit up when I saw that they serve Sour and Spicy soup (Szechuan style).

I informed my parents about this and we agreed in unison that we shall have this, despite the server informing us that the Fish Maw & Crabmeat soup is really popular.

When this came and the soup was scooped into individual bowls, I was excited to see it filled with a chock full of ingredients. I really love the organic tofu that they use and this type of stringy fungus that's crunchy to the bite.

The soup itself was a nice balance of savoury hot & sour and I don't see the need to pour in more of that black vinegar. I really like their version. Even my parents agree. We've tried this dish at many places and this one is definitely one of the better ones.

We used to enjoy the one from the neighbouring Razack's Kichen but the one we had the previous time somewhat disappoint us. Too bad.

I was apprehensive about my bro trying this dish out. He's quite the picky eater and weird or strange foods definitely don't appeal to him. Surprisingly, he finished his bowl and even remarked that it's nice. Whoa!

Chicken & seafood fried rice

Before frying this, I saw that the cook (who is also the manager) scoop some white rice into a plate before heading back into the kitchen.

I also noticed that the rice wasn't THAT white. It looked like chicken rice, actually. I pointed it out to my mum and she told me that they used organic, unpolished rice. Ahh… why didn't I think of that!

I like this fried rice. A lot. Very savoury. Full of flavour and they are generous with the fillers.

We also realise that the medium portion doesn't suffice for us all. We really should have ordered the large one. We end up ordering a second portion of this.

Sambal Imperial Shoot

This vegetable is also called 'Di Huang Miao' by the Chinese. Another name is 'Ceylon Spinach'.

I always chose this when I had lunch at the nearby 'Bagus' Yong Tau Foo but my parents had no idea what it really is like. I'm glad that they were game enough to try something new because they end up really liking this veggie.

The thing about this is that it has got a taste that's stronger than regular spinach (that explains its deep green colour) and when cooked, it can be a tad slimy.

Even my brother don't mind eating this. Whoa. Someone's definitely starting to eat healthy…!

Honey Glazed chicken 
(a hungry someone already took 1 pc)

This. is. awesome! Maybe it's my Javanese tastebuds- my penchant for savoury foods with hints of sweetness. But I really love this dish, no matter where I have it, actually. However, different places have different wayS of preparing it.

Ah Nam prepared their's similarly to 'har cheong kai'. Crispy, battered winglets coated with honey sauce.
Fisher's Tavern use boneless chicken meat.

The ones served here is prepared almost similarly to that at Fisher's Tavern. Save that they used winglets that's been butterflied. That way, the marinade or flavour can be absorbed nicely into the chicken meat. And it'll be be crispy throughout. Plus, it's just so easy to eat. Especially for my kiddo.

Butter Squid

Every crispy morsel is coated with a dusting of lightly-seasoned flour, carrying a nice buttery scent. Very simple dish that's really fun to eat. 

Black-pepper beef

My first impression when I bite into this was, "Why is the beef so tender?" So tender that I got suspicious. Tenderiser, maybe?

I made my mum have a bite and asked for her opinion. She was ok with it and gave me 2 words. Corn flour. Okayyy.

But I like the sauce. Very 'umami'. I gotta learn how to cook this, the proper way.

Butter cereal prawns

We made this order as we got a second round of their Chicken & Seafood fried rice.

When this arrived, I was like, "Wow!" Just look at the size of that prawns! And the way they're so straight like those tempura prawns, makes you pick one up and just bite the head off (that's what I did anyway). Mmmm…

So fresh, so crispy… So nice! I gotta' say that their rendition is different from those 'Nestum'-covered plates that we get from other 'zhi char' places. Apparently, here they also use organic oats. Talk about making an unhealthy dish 'healthier'…

Ala-carte buffet menu

A good way to try the various dishes they have on the menu. Although I really wonder if the price makes it worthwhile. I mean, can you really eat $36 worth of food? I honestly don't mind paying as I'm one to go for variety and try a little bit of everything (I'm sure the portions will be smaller). 

Having tasted some of their food items, I can say that their food is well-prepared and they do meet my expectations.

For once, I'm really just glad that I didn't do any 'homework' to find out more about a restaurant before dining there. That way, I won't heighten my personal expectations. I'll just let myself be surprised with what they have to offer.

I appreciate that they are slightly different from other 'zhi char' eating places, the fact that they serve organic food items. Definitely my first time eating organic food outside of home and I can say that I like it! You end up feeling good about yourself, having eaten well. Besides, the prices are still kept affordable, despite the known fact as to how organic stuff are just… well, more expensive.

I don't mind coming back here. Although I should try other stuff, I find myself hoping to slurp on their Spicy & Sour soup again. Plus that Honey-Glazed chicken. And the prawns. Also found out that they serve 'Orh Nee' (yam paste dessert). Gotta' try that too.

Siamese Cat Restaurant
324 Changi Road
Singapore 419799
Tel: +65 8161 1518
email: info@symescat.com
Website: http://symescat.com/


Opening hours: 
12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm (closed on Mondays)

Fish & Co with kids

Strictly for sharing

Mojito

My favourite drink order whenever I'm here. Basically whenever I see this in the menu, it's a must-have.

Fresh mint leaves and lime juice (sans the Rum, of course). A very refreshing drink to have on a hot day.

Lychee Mojito, Pink Lady, Orange Rainbow, Kola Tonic, Mojito

Beverages, that day ~

At the very top is the Lychee Mojito, similar to the one I had, save for the couple of skewered tinned lychees, above.
Below It is the 'Pink Lady' that's ordered by my cousin's daughter. Taste's a lot like the 'Happy Soda' found at those Ayam Penyet shops. Sweet, fizzy & creamy.
To its left is the Orange Rainbow - Mango 'granadilla' with cranberry juice. Tangy & fizzy.
Beside it is the Kola Tonic ordered by her son.

Grilled Peri-Peri Chicken with Arctic Fish

My cousin's son ordered these. Such a generous portion! Plus that double carbo combo of mash potato & fries… A growing boy, indeed (he's 13, btw).

There's grilled chicken topped with peri-peri sauce. Looked like some fiery 'sambal' to us but it turn out to be more mellow. That, coupled with a large piece of battered 'Arctic fish' (wonder what fish that really is).

Erm… there surely can be more of that lemon-butter sauce on the fish, right?

Seafood Platter for 2

4 of us shared this. Okay, so it's 3 adults and 2 kids. And we still end up pretty full. I still remember years back, me sharing this same platter with my bro only and we actually manage to polish it off.

Grilled prawns, white fish, fried calamari and blue mussels in garlic lemon butter sauce served with paella rice and chips.

Their fried calamari is still da bomb!

(F) Kid's utensils (B) Seafood Pizza

Thankfully, the staff came by with these kids utensils when my kiddo was about to tuck in. I was wondering just how kiddo is going to cope with the heavy and huge tablespoon. I can just imagine the rice going all over the place, as he shovel them into his mouth.

Their service for kids was a tad shoddy that day. The previous time I came here, they had been pretty attentive to kiddo's presence. While waiting for our seats, kiddo already received the 'shark' headgear and by the time we're seated, there was a small basket of colour pencils, and activity sheet (graphics for colouring, join-the-dots, quizzes etc) and a full-colour activity book for my kiddo.

This time, I had to ask for it but there was only the activity sheet (the table mat) but no other stationery for that. The shark headgear only came towards the end.

Now, about that seafood pizza… I'm sorry but if all pizzas there are prepared in the same manner, then I won't recommend it. The base was a tad under-cooked plus soggy and the cheese… Seriously, what was that, really??

It's wasn't really actual cheese for it looked and tasted somewhat starchy/doughy. It even reminded me of Béchamel sauce, that white sauce layer found on lasagne. I had a feeling they used a type of 'cheese-sauce', to minimise the amount of cheese used.

Another 'starchy' food item was the 'soup of the day'. So much so that I can't figure out what soup it really was. Maybe it's potato soup? For that was what it really taste like!

My cousin's son had it as part of his set meal while I ordered it specially for kiddo cos' I remembered just how kiddo relish the soup the last time he was here (he still do, btw).

That paper 'shark' headgear lasted for all of… 5 mins

Now, whose kid is this???! Tsk.

By the time we came here, lunch hour was almost over so by the time we were done with our meal, the restaurant was pretty much cleared out.

So kiddo was more than happy to goof around with his cousin.

Cleaned out

…Whoever love those mint candies that they put into the bill folder after you make payment - raise up your hands!

Spatula Bakery

For some time now, I've been following Spatula Bakery on Instagram, after my cousin told me to check out their 'Rosette' cakes, which she contemplate ordering for her bro's wedding.

Then I later saw that they also make these gorgeous cupcakes. Further on, these young Muslim ladies also open their own little shop along Joo Chiat Road. How can I not get excited, tell me?

The varieties of cupcakes were pretty interesting. Luscious flavours with quirky names. Got me really keen.

They have this 'cake in a jar' that's similar to the one I had in KL and also those from Wondermilk. I think those are available only on weekends. They also do custom cakes. You can check out their Instagram page.

One afternoon, during lunch, we happen to have our meal in that area so my colleagues and I cajoled our other colleague (the driver), who is the type of male who's doesn't give much care for desserts; to drive us there.

Almost missed their black & white signage with cute & whimsical 'bric a brac' at their display window. Mostly decorative cakes display & tiers.

Cupcakes display

Tempting you much…?

The flavours available that day was: 'Jazzy' Jaffa, 'Rockin' Red Velvet, 'Saucy' Salted Caramel, Cookie Crunch, Strawberry Sundae, 'Pure' PB, 'Mischievous' Milo Dino, 'Bouncy' Butterscotch & 'Charismatic' Caramel Macchiato.

…Don't say that I didn't warn you about their quirky names!

We got all agog when seeing all these varieties and decided to get 1/2 dozen, meaning each of us will choose 2 flavours.

The packaging

Inside the box

'Saucy' Salted Caramel -  'Rockin' Red Velvet -  'Jazzy' Jaffa

Cookie Crunch - 'Bouncy' Butterscotch - 'Charismatic' Caramel Macchiato

Closer look

My colleague Sri had the 'Jazzy' Jaffa, which is actually Chocolate-Orange cupcake. 'Jaffa' refers to a variant of orange. She also chose the 'Rockin' Red Velvet.

Another colleague, Roza chose the Cookie Crunch - 'Bouncy' Butterscotch.

I chose 'Charismatic' Caramel Macchiato - which must have been like a tribute to that popular coffee flavour… coincidentally a favourite of mine (esp. from Starbucks!). And 'Saucy' Salted Caramel. Argh, what do I do about my penchant for anything Salted Caramel??!

Ready to attack

Yes, we had our tea break amongst rolls of paper and paper cutter…

In the foreground is my Caramel Macchiato, then it's Sri's Red Velvet and lastly, it's Roza's Butterscotch cupcakes. 

'Charismatic' Caramel Macchiato

My personal take on these cupcakes?

Well… It's best that you try them out yourself. Everyone have their preferred type when it comes to cakes and my opinion doesn't really go for all. 

All I can say is that the cake seem a bit denser that what I'm used to. Or maybe we got them on a bad day. I guess this warrant another visit? Maybe to also check out their 'cake-in-a-jar'? 

Spatula Bakery

216 Joo Chiat Road

#01-06
12pm-7pm, closed on Wed & Thu
Tel: 64447243
Website: http://www.spatulabakery.com

Mon An's Tumeric Squid

Tumeric squid set ~ $7

I can't say enough, just how much I LOVE this dish. I keep seeing the words 'Tumeric Squid' in their menu and wonder why it cost $7, as compared to the $5.50 for the other dish sets (comes with plain rice & stir-fried veggies).

When I ordered this dish, the (very) friendly assistant offered to make the veggie side dish more soupy. I can't figure out why but I agreed to it anyway. Usually the veggie side dish is of similar consistency the the everyday 'chap chye'. Minimal gravy.

Tumeric squid set

When this finally arrived, I was like, *WHOA!*

I was seriously expecting a plate of squid rings that are stir fried with some onions and peppers and tinted slightly yellow, due to the tumeric but this was another thing altogether!

This is similar to those 'Butter Sotong' served at Zhi Char places. Crispy battered squids. Wait... it's crispy squids, with SEASONED batter.

Served piping hot, very crispy and the seasoning is just AWESOME! So good that I literally want to eat it on its own. And the portion is just so generous!

Now I know why I was offered a more soupy side dish. The squid was a 'dry' dish after all. Such a thoughtful act!

I dare say, that I recommend this dish, should you drop by Mon An. My new fave dish, definitely!

Mon An Vietnamese Muslim Food
Blk 7 Eunos Crescent
(behind the bus stop)

Mad Jack (Parkway) again

Seriously, eversince Banquet at level 4 went defunct, I find that we Muslim's aren't left with much choice to eat (esp. when it comes to cheap/local fare). Even Kartini Indonesian Restaurant & Siam Kitchen somewhat disappeared from their store listings. What's available, tell me?

There's:
- KFC
- Pastamania
- Swensen's
- Coffee Bean Tea Leaf
- Mad Jack

THAT'S ALL.

Guess we're resigned to chomping at the nearby hawker centre before coming by here, should we prefer local fare. Tough luck.

That's why you've been seeing a whole lot of Mad Jack entries in here. And here's more.

Came by with the 3 guys in my life. My hubby, brother & kiddo (my dad should have completed the picture). Running errands here. Otherwise, we wouldn't have bothered with Parkway Parade (anymore).

Mushy-mushy

Fried, battered mushrooms. Very nice to eat but I realise that whatever gave these their round shape (self-raising flour??) also make them pretty greasy.

Linguine Carbonara

With chicken ham & fresh button mushroom. Ordered this to share with my kiddo.

In the background is hubby's Turkey Bacon Beef Burger & Chips.

Pavlova

I mentioned in passing, to my bro about the Pavlova that they have in the cakes display area. I know that he had always been curious about meringues and their likes so I bet he'll feel the same about this one.

He excitedly left his seat to take a look and disappeared for sometime. He later came back, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

Pretty soon, this was served to us. Even BEFORE our mains arrived. That's how curious my brother was.

Needless to say, he LOVED this. Sweet meringue, crispy outside, marshmallow soft inside with bland whipped cream and tart fruits. What's not to like...?

------------------------------------

Next up is what I had during lunch with my colleagues, one day. Coincidentally, all of us seem to be in the mood for some burgers. 

Turkey Bacon Beef Burger & Chips

I admit to some food envy the previous time I was here. Burger King's Turkey Bacon double has always been my favourite and when my hubby ordered this previously, I vowed to have this the next time I come here.

In the background was my colleague's Mad Cow Burger & chips set, which is a part of the lunch set and cost only $9.90 (with soup & soft drink).

Blue Mountain Burger & chips

My male colleague must have be hungry when he ordered this. 3 beef patties with tomato, pineapple, cheese & caramelised onions.

If you think that is is crazy, there's also the Extreme Blue Mountain burger, which comes with FIVE patties!

Anyway, all of us were initially excited at the prospect of eating homemade beef patties but we realise that they used wayy too much fillers with the meat (which also explain the weird UFO shape). And they cooked this with too much oil, hence the patty appeared a lil' over-fried. Even crispy outside.

Taste a lot like beef nuggets...

I guess, I've had my expectations too high with their burgers... I'll stick to Botak's Favourites, next time.

I'm running out of ideas as to what I want to eat when I drop by Parkway Parade. I guess Swensen's fare better, after all. Especially when the pasta craving sets in....

Daddy's Birthday at J's Wok & Grill - Part 2

As continued from the previous post.

After we're done with our mains, we eagerly asked for the menu to proceed with desserts. My bro was the one to make the first move. I guess that pasta and starters weren't enough for him.

Everyone chose a dessert item, except for myself. I was thinking that I can just skim some from each of their item. Besides there's the cake, remember…?

My parents had no idea about the cake and chose to share a dessert. Imagine if everyone had dessert and then there's the cake?

When the server walked away with the dessert orders, I tried hard to catch the eye of the guy with whom I made the hasty arrangement for the 'birthday special'. Maybe right then, my hubby must have been wondering what his wife was up to (I didn't tell him about the arrangement)…

When I got his attention from a distance, I mouthed-out, "The Birthday C-A-K-E…!" He was bewildered, initially. Then he remembered…Right then, I thought I can see the light bulb over his head.

Our table then started chatting away when a birthday song suddenly blasted through the restaurant's audio system. Without. warning. I really wasn't kidding when I say that they 'blast' the song. It was THAT loud! I was so shocked that I had a panic attack. My hands can't stop trembling after that.

And I was the one in the know about this… Wonder how the customers at the other tables felt.

Birthday surprise…? More like a birthday shocker. But the vibes are good. So I'm fine with that.

Birthday special

This sweet lady came over with the slice of cake and then lit the candle at our table, prior to serving. I gestured to my bashful dad at the the corner.

Look who's blowing…

Naturally, kiddo was the excited one. No matter whose birthday, he wants to blow the candle.

"Happy Boh-Day! Happy Boh-Day to Uuuuu!"

*puff!*

The doting grandpa (a.k.a Birthday Boy) was only happy to oblige. So the both of them blew out the candle together.

My cheeky brother, seeing how excited his nephew was, took out his lighter and re-lit the candle. Like 3 times more?

"...And I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow this cake down!"

So much for having this cake to myself. Everyone love this Oreo cheesecake. Even kiddo. I only got 1 or 2 bites… :(((

Chocolate ice-cream (1 scoop)

Part of Kiddo's kid's set meal. they asked for our preferred flavour and I blurted out 'chocolate'. Should have chosen vanilla instead, seeing that he already had Milo (chocolate malt) as his drink.

Chocolate overload (yes, I'll be the one paying for this mistake when I end up having to deal with his sugar-high antics)!

Fried Banana Fritter w/ ice-cream

My hubby's choice. As someone who hardly have desserts when dining out, his order took me by surprise.

Unlike the local 'pisang goreng' that we can get at regular stalls; here they use those 'Del Monte' type. So you can just imagine how big that banana was. The batter was almost tempura-like. Thin and crispy!

Visualise that piping-hot, crispy banana and frosty ice-cream with squiggles of chocolate fudge… Yeah, savour that thought.

Ok… where can I get 'pisang goreng' now?

Mango Delight

I. am. so. not. surprised that my bro got himself this.

Now here is a guy who's not shy to admit that he LOVES strawberry-flavoured snacks. Or desserts for that matter. Unlike the 'Bu Puo Shang' character in the Taiwanese 'Skip Beat' drama.

Chunks of ripe mango at the bottom of this sundae cup, with a generous scoop of strawberry ice-cream, topped with whipped cream and maraschino cherry, which my mum was happy to savour. 

Sago Gula Melaka w/ ice-cream

My parents chose this and I'm surprised that they came up with a dessert that might just appeal the elder folks with more 'traditional' tastebuds. Boiled sago mixed with a bit of coconut cream and 'gula Melaka' (palm sugar).

They were REALLY generous with that sago, such that some spilled over the edge when my mum dug into the ice-cream on top.

This was such a creative idea. I might just replicate this at home!

All in all, the bill came to around $150. Seriously, is that affordable or what? Food was better than expected, there's a 'mussolah' provided, service was alright, the interior was pleasing… And most importantly, my Birthday Boy enjoyed himself.

Now, if only they turn down the audio volume when playing that birthday song. Seriously.

J's Wok & Grill
Blk 527, Bedok North Street 3 
#01-514
Singapore 460527
T: 6345 7155
-------------------------------------------------

PS: I came upon an article on FB, with regards to the Indian-Muslim owner of the provision shop that located a few doors down from J's Wok & Grill. He was having financial difficulties and worry about being evicted since he has been unable to pay the rental for his unit. Sales have dropped since the lift-upgrading works.

Please, patronise his shop and help him out. If evicted, his family will also lose a place to live in. 

Thanks.

Daddy's Birthday at J's Wok & Grill - Part 1

For my dad's birthday, my bro and I start with some grand plans.

My bro planned something like… bringing him to our favourite sports shop and have him pick any shoe he wants, before heading to Olivye Cafe at Changi for dinner.

I was thinking that since the sports shop will be at Suntec City, we might as well head to Fika at Millenia Walk. I was thinking that my meat-lover dad will surely love that lamb I had.

Somehow, with a turn of events, on that very day, I simply asked my dad if he had a place in mind, to dine at. Immediately, he brighten up and say, "How about that J… that 'J' place at Bedok?"

I instantly knew what place he was referring to. I've been there with my parents when they just opened, years back. My mum had seen an article on them and was keen to try out their food. We had a great experience then. In fact, my hubby's side of the family had their family day gathering there twice.

When I told my brother as to my dad's choice to dine here, he replied with, "Finally…"

Curious about his reply, I asked why. Turns out, we recently drove past that restaurant and my dad had pointed that place out to him, saying that we should head there someday. Aww… so Mr Birthday Boi finally get his wish!

Not your average under-the-block dining…

Some may be surprised to see such a nice family restaurant located right smack in the middle of the heartlands.

I rushed in ahead of everyone, asked for a table for the 5+1 of us and then asked if they have any birthday 'specials'. They were taken aback and then mention something like, "… a slice of cake…"

My dad was already stepping in so I hurriedly finished off with, "Ok, I want that. It's for my dad's birthday." I then asked about the 'musollah' for us to conduct our Asar prayers. We were directed to the level above. Actually I already knew where it was. Just asked out of formality.

The toilet on the level above was equipped with a small ablution area and the prayer zone was amongst the staff lockers and storage shelf. There's a simple curtain for privacy and there's sejadah (prayer mat) and telekong (ladies prayer garb).

My dad…

…The 65 year-old birthday boy (already??!)  o__O

Ice-Lemon Tea & Iced Milo

The lemon tea belonged to my bro & hubby.

Kiddo's kiddie meal didn't come with a drink so I had to older at full-sized one for him. Doesn't help that those glass mugs are huge!

Hot matcha drink

Ordered this the previous time we were here and my parents had these again. The previous experience left such an impact on them that they can still remember enough, to be able to compare their previous cuppa with this!

Watermelon juice

I was really at loss as to what I shall choose to drink. Under much pressure from the stares I got from everyone at the table and the server patiently waiting at the side… I simply blurted out, "Watermelon juice."

That must be the work of my subconscious mind. 

Starters - Fried calamari & onion rings

My brother loves his fried stuff and asked for all these. I knew my hubby's penchant for Fried Calamari so I'm just happy to oblige.

The calamari, albeit being a bit on the thin side, was quite satisfactory. Meat wasn't tough and the batter was nicely seasoned. The breadcrumbed onion rings wasn't those cheapo run-of-the-mill kind. That's actually a whole ring of onion inside that breadcrumb layer.  

Starters - Fried chicken wings

I love chicken wings fried this was. Thin coat of seasoned flour and that's it. Came accompanied with sweet Thai chilli sauce.

Kiddo's meal

There's was a section for kids and I had kiddo point out his choice.

He was fascinated to see his favourite character, Barney in the picture. However, the Barney set was some sausages etc. I was hoping that he won't choose that. He then noticed the 'Nemo' set, which was a plate of Fish & Chips. He immediately pointed at that picture.

Wow… nice choice, kiddo! I'm amazed that at 3 years old, he can make his own decisions. I almost thought that he'd be swayed to pick the Barney platter but he choose the Nemo one because he wanted Fish & Chips, despite not knowing who the heck Nemo was. He only said, "Fish!"

There are other kids' food items but I can't recall what. Maybe some spaghetti & something else. And all the kids meal set comes with a scoop of ice-cream. But no drinks.

Btw, kiddo can't finish all that so my bro was more than willing to help him with it. :P

Pasta Carbonara

My brother's perennial favourite, when dining at western style restaurants/eateries. He wan't too fond of grilled stuff. It's either fried stuff or creamy (no, not tomato!) sauce pasta. And penne, preferably. 

Grilled lamb with mint sauce

'Birthday boy' took sometime before deciding on what he wanted. The meat was done nicely and to his liking. He left behind a clean (hot) plate to prove it.

I can't help noticing that circular bone within the meat, with the marrow still intact. Oh wow!

BBQ beef ribs

As if choosing the drinks didn't take me long enough… I had an even harder time, figuring out what I would like for my mains. After deducing the final two from my initial choice of like 4 or 5 options, it's either this or the Braised Lamb Shank that seemed similar to the one from Secret Recipe.

In the end, I asked my mum, "If I choose the beef ribs, will you share it with me?" She nodded. So beef ribs, it was.

I know my mum loves ribs. Be it lamb or beef. In fact, she was eager to try out the one from Charco's when she discovered them serving it.

I know the ribs will be big (as seen in the menu picture) but I was still taken aback to see it when it was eventually served. And the meat sure is tender. Literally fall-off-the-bone tender. I only need to pull the meat apart using the fork. With one hand.

And most importantly, that BBQ sauce was delish!

If only they had served me mashed potato instead of fries…

Thai grilled chicken

…Or something like that. I know it's one of the 'grilled chicken' varieties (there are a few others) and there's something 'Thai' about it.

The thigh chicken meat was nicely marinated and tender. The 'Thai' flavour… it's not just the typical Tom Yam taste. But the lemongrass flavour was evident, though. Either way, it's really tasty.

The meat sat atop a bed of boiled 'kailan' greens. Weird, maybe. But it complement that overall taste and setting. Very much Grilled Chicken - Asian style.

Texas grilled chicken

My hubby's choice. This was one interesting dish.

I don't know what clearly define anything 'Texas' in foods but this grilled chicken meat was topped with slices of chicken ham, mashed potato and cheese. Guess it was then tossed into the oven to melt that cheese, prior to serving.

Naturally, the chicken meat was crispy at the edges. Thankfully, it wasn't too dry. Hubby loved it.

It seems like I still have many more pics of the desserts coming, so I guess I'll just split this post up into 2 parts. 

J's Wok & Grill
Blk 527, Bedok North Street 3 
#01-514
Singapore 460527
T: 6345 7155

Evertop Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice

It was that one fateful day when… we head to Geylang Serai Market for lunch and it was actually closed to to the monthly cleaning! huhu…

You know when your mind is all set for something, only to realise that whatever you've intended won't be fulfilled? Yes, a good word would have been, 'Disappointment'.

But can you imagined the chaos that ensued, due to sibeh last-minute plan-changing? My colleague the driver was like, "So now what??! Where? Where to go???!"

He went berserk and didn't even stop the vehicle by the roadside to wait for an answer when he asked that. He. just. kept. on. driving!!

So he drove along Joo Chiat Road. We girls were like, "Shall we eat here…? How about here…? Here! Stop here…!!"

This fella somehow knew where he DIDN'T want to dine at, yet he can't figure out where he really wanted to. And he dare say that we ladies can never make-up our mind… Pfft. 

Then we passed the Evertop eating place and I was shrieking at him, "Let's eat here! The duck! I want to eat the duck! I miss the duck!!!" (yes, the duck was all I think about so you might be forgiven if you've thought me to be pregnant and crazing craving).

Somehow my colleague eventually agreed. I think he missed eating their food too. We've always ordered from Evertop when they were still around at that air-conditioned foodcourt at the ground level of Geylang Serai market.

The only pet-peeve was just how far the public carpark is (no, those congested parallel lots don't count). On that hot & humid day after the long walk from the carpark… we eventually settled ourselves at the entrance of the indoor dining area, sitting right below the air-curtain. I tell you, that blast of fast-moving cold air? Trumps the air-con- anytime.

All of us subconsciously ordered something iced and 'lime-y'. 2 of us had the 'Teh-O Limau Ais', another had the 'Sirap Limau Ais' and I had the 'Limau Ais' ('limau' here, refers to the calamansi lime). Just to up the 'refreshing' factor.


Chinese style Mee Goreng

Mr colleague requested for the 'Malay-style' Mee Goreng. We didn't know there are different variations, until the server asked.

However, funnily enough, the same server came by and mentioned something about the 'Malay-style' Mee Goreng being unavailable (seriously… huh??) and asked my colleague if he don't mind settling for the 'Chinese-style' version.

Mr colleague was right then, hooked on his Candy Crush game and simply nodded his head.

Only after his third scoop did he ask, "How come the Mee Goreng taste a lot like the Chinese one…?" All of  us glared and reminded him what he nodded his head at, just now. He was disappointed, actually.

"I miss eating the Malay Mee Goreng, le…"

Crispy Yee Mee

Another colleague had this, also simply known as 'Crispy Noodle'. She remarked that it was pretty nice, actually.

I can't recall when I actually stopped ordering this. Used to order this everytime I'm at a 'Zhi Char' place. Maybe when I realise for the umpteenth time that the noodles were great only when crispy. When soggy it just… sucked.

Duck Noodles

I naturally just had to get the duck. It's either this or the duck porridge. But I eventually settled for this, although I kinda' miss those slivers of ginger in soy sauce that comes with the porridge.

Another colleague of mine- also a duck fan, had this too.

Condiments like soy sauce, pickled green chillies and 'chicken rice' garlic-ginger-chilli were available free-flow in containers on every table. I helped myself to the fiery chicken rice chilli, for me to dip those strips of duck breast meat into. Such oomph!!

It wasn't pictured because we were busy eating, but I also ordered a plate of ten cute little fried wantans… Which were such 'umami' goodness when eaten with the dark soy sauce that they came with.

Evertop Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice
89 Joo Chiat Road

Swensen's Ocean's Seven

On my 4th wedding anniversary~  as (good) luck would have it, was my hubby's final day at this First Aid course that he was made to attend so he was actually free after 6pm (for once)! Whee!

I had some 'grand' plans to check out Badoque Cafe or Sedap Corner at Simpang Bedok. But he ask to just head to Tampines. So I thought, maybe Fish & Co for once. Or some other restaurants in Tampines but somehow, I find myself following my hubby to level 3 of Tampines Mall.

I later find myself standing before… Swensen's. Not again!  Seems like Swensen's might just be the 'go-to' place for my every anniversaries… Huhu.

What do you know…? This food blogger has a spouse who is simply, 'unadventurous' when it comes to dining choices. Times like this, I'm just really thankful that my own family are very eager to try out food from any most restaurants/eating places that I suggested. In fact, there were times when they are the one to make suggestions.

Anyway (coming back to the anniversary dinner), the crowd was starting to pick up so we hurriedly made our order. My mood kinda' perked up when I see the 'Ocean's Seven' menu. A month or so back, I've received an email from them, when they were promoting it and I had been most eager to check the new offerings. Totally forgot about it until I held the menu for real.

This promotion was supposedly to bring a taste of San Francisco's famous Fisherman's Wharf to SG. The new dishes include:

- Spicy Seafood pasta with Grilled Scallops
- Crabmeat Baked Rice
- Baked Spicy Salmon with Squid Ink pasta
- Poached Barramundi in Oriental cream sauce

There are also 3 new beverages with blue syrup (high likely it's Curaçao and not blueberry).

I chose the combo where for an additional $9, I can either get the:
- Ocean Crunch salad or
- Butterfly Shrimps for starters and Hot Fudge Sundae for dessert.

I chose the latter. The more the merrier, right. Besides, I foresee that the salad portion might be big and that my hubby may not want to share it.

Hubby meanwhile, initially asked for the Chicken Victoria and I had to remind him that was what he ordered the year before and he didn't appear to like it (I find it to be pretty 'Euww!' too). He then settled for the Chicken Mushroom Penne.

Service was very weird, that day. Despite there being servers at every corner. My hubby's plate of pasta came fast and yet, for the next 15-20 mins, nothing else came to our table. Not even the sides.

When he was almost done with his food, he told me to ask about the other orders but I chose to keep mum and just wait. That's what I'm good at, anyway. So good at it that it's bad. I need to remember that not everyone has the capacity to be as patient as I am.

Then again, having been at the service line I know the kitchen can be pretty messed up. I don't mind waiting (albeit silently). I later noticed that the manager took a double take when she saw that my hubby was almost done with his food and yet, there's nothing else on the table.

She was aghast of course and I saw her running to the counter to check my order with the kitchen. She later came back, saying, "Sorry, please wait a bit, ya sayang? Your order's coming soon..." I didn't say a word and just smiled.

Man, the air-con was blasting above my head and I was famished, having came in from work… My hubby gotta' count himself lucky. I'm just glad my hubby got served first. A hungry man is an angry man and I sure don't wanna spoil my special evening with him.

As soon as the butterfly shrimp was served, I immediately skewered a piece and walloped it. Ahh… food glorious food!

Butterfly Shrimps

Butterflied shrimps coated with breadcrumbs and deep fried. Served with tartar sauce. Hubby also requested for the Deep Fried Mushrooms, where Shitake mushrooms are prepared similarly.

Baked Spicy Salmon with Squid Ink pasta

I was very impressed with this main. The plating was pretty something. I was jubilant to see so many ingredients on my plate.

The squid ink pasta was done 'Aglio Olio' style, with visible cuts of bird's eye chilli. There were pan-fried/roasted julienned bell peppers (all 3 colours) on the side. The crispy-looking piece of baked salmon was topped with chunky mango salsa and there were little dollops of pesto sauce on one side. Not forgetting the lone stalk of roasted asparagus and spring onion.

Wow!

The salmon was marinated or coated with some paprika-based spice. It wasn't the fiery kind or 'spicy'. More like taste-of-spices kinda' 'spicy'. The crispy skin was awesome! And the pasta was al dente (surprisingly) and flavourful.

Maybe God is being fair and reward me with such great-tasting food, after what I have to go through, earlier.

Hot Fudge Sundae

Had the dessert served when I'm almost done with my pasta. I was having a hard time choosing the flavours for the 2 scoops when I was placing the order.

Of course I had to choose 2 separate flavours for the 2 scoops in there. I'm a big fan of variety! Such a big fan that I chose 2 very diverse flavours. They're both my favourite and yet that was my 1st time choosing them. What irony.

Anyway, my chosen flavours were…

Chendol       and…
Rocky Road

I know, I know… What was I thinking, right? Beats me. I may love variety but I'm also indecisive and fickle. Guess that's bound to happen.

And in case you're wondering, those 2 flavours… they really don't complement each other. Eugh! Thank goodness for all that almonds and chocolate fudge!

Anyway, this will remind me to minimise my visits to Swensen's just so that my next anniversary meal will be a lil' more special, you know…?