Asia Grand Restaurant @ Odeon Towers

People in Singapore really enjoy yum cha on weekend mornings. Some popular ones, such as this Asia Grand, requires a booking of at least 2 to 3 days in advance, as it is almost impossible to get a table here on the day itself.




The restaurant is located right in the heart of the city, next to Bras Basah McDonald's. Service was very polite and prompt.





The signboard outside of the restaurant.





We were first served some chilled vegetables and XO sauce, which were labelled as Pickles (S$3) on the receipt.





I really dig into the Roast Crispy Pork (S$11). Skin is crunchy, and the pork is juicy and not too salty.





Asia Grand's Shrimp Dumpling (S$5.20), or more commonly known as Har Kow, had lot's of crunchy prawns inside.





The Century Egg Porridge (S$8) is best to be shared among 2 diners. Portion is really big.





I also like the Shrimp Rice Rolls (S$5.80), called Chee Cheong Fun with Prawns here in Singapore. The skin was smooth and thin.





This "Jian Shui Jiao" is not often seen in Singapore, but more popular in Hong Kong. The deep fried "salty" dumplings (S$4.20) actually has similar skin as our Soon Kueh, just that it was deep fried. The fillings were a combination of pork and some crunchy vegetables.





One of the best item from Asia Grand is their Siew Mai (S$4.80). They are not stingy with the ingredients, and you can taste the pork, prawns and mushrooms in each of these little packets.





And finally, Crispy Prawn Dumplings (S$5.20) which is to be dipped in the creamy mayo.




Asia Grand Restaurant 
331 North Bridge Road, 
#01-05/08 
Odeon Towers

Otto Ristorante @ Red Dot Traffic Building

One of the best Italian restaurant in town is located right inside the iconic red dot museum building. Almost every diner who have dined here at Otto were pleased with both the food and service.



We made reservations almost one week before the Saturday we were there. Even so, reservations came in fast and furious, and there were 2 sittings for dinner in order to accommodate more diners.



As you can see, we were almost the first to arrive here at Otto.

Took a look at the menu, and decided to order 2 different set dinner. One was the Degustation Menu (S$88++ for DM), and the other the Gourmet Menu (S$128++ for GM). Otto has a flexible policy where each diner can order any set dinner or even ala carte, as it is not necessary for the entire table to have the same set menu.

We were very impressed with the varieties of bread they served to us. Some notable ones were the raisin breads, and the brioche.



We were first served a complimentary baked cauliflower.

Appetizer came in the form of Ligurian style octopus potato and celery salad with black olive powder (GM). This appetizer had a fresh and crunchy texture.

One of their signature appetizer is the Wagyu beef carpaccio with mushroom and parmesan cheese salad (DM). Some may be put off by the colour of the beef carpaccio, but let me assure you this was very tasty indeed.

We had one of the best foie gras in town - Cocca bean crusted foie gras with port wine reduction (GM). The foie gras was slightly crisp on the outside, yet creamy on the inside. Highly recommended.

A soup called Livorno style "seafood soup" in light tomato broth (DM) to warm our stomach.

Many who dined at Otto have said that one of the must have dish here is their Homemade Squid Ink taglloini with lemon and chilli marinated prawn (DM). Indeed, this was one of the best squid ink pasta I ever had. There was a very delicious seafood sauce coating each strand of the black pasta.

We also enjoyed the Homemade dutch veal ravioli with sage and truffle emulsion (GM).

After all these appetizers came the mains. First was this Halibut fillet with spinach veloute and tarragon oyster sauce (GM). Fish was fresh and the spinach oyster sauce brought out to sweetness of the fish.

The Beef tenderloin with sauteed potatoes and sea salt flakes (DM) was a bit tough. The taste was good, just that if the beef was more tender, then it would be perfect.

We enjoyed eating the crispy and juicy crispy suckling pig lacquered with "black locust" tree honey and aged balsamic vinegar (GM). The pork was tender and delicious.

I think Otto need to put in more effort for their desserts. They were, good, just that we expected a bit more after the excellent appetizers and mains. Above is the Polenta and pineapple cake with young coconut espuma (DM).

The 2nd dessert was the very common warm chocolate cake with Haitian vanilla ice-cream (GM)

Ended dinner with a cup of Tea (GM)



Otto Ristorante
28 Maxwell Road,
#01-02
Red Dot Traffic Building

Chatterbox @ Mandarin Orchard

When it comes to recommending a good Chicken Rice place with a nice environment in the heart of Orchard Road, one place comes to mind - Chatterbox.



This restaurant has been serving chicken rice for many years. Although prices have gone up by quite a bit in recent years, but the taste have still been quite good.



For those who have not been to Chatterbox for a long time, it has shifted up to the 5th floor, and is accessible either through the mall or from the new hotel lobby.



This is the world famous Chatterbox Chicken Rice (S$27). Other than Singaporeans, I noticed many Indonesians like to come here to enjoy the chicken rice. At this price, the portion of the chicken is rather big and juicy. Thumbs up for the fragrant rice.



Free iced water is served to all diners here.



Other than Chicken Rice, Chatterbox also does other Asian cuisines. One dish which I always like to order in local hotels is the Nasi Goreng Istimewa (S$24). The fried rice tasted spicy and had a good kick. Satays were well-marinated and tender. So were the prawns. However the keropoks were not crispy enough.



Also shared a platter of Satays (S$37.60 for 12 sticks). Mixture of beef and chicken satays. THe satays were large and very well marinated.



Another dish we had was the Nasi Lemak (S$24). The rice had a fragrant coconut taste to it.




Chatterbox
333 Orchard Road,
Level 5
Mandarin Orchard

Magma German Wine Bistro @ Bukit Pasoh Road

Magma has always been our realiable German restaurant in Singapore when we want some German food, especially the famous crispy pork knuckle which many Chinese locals can identify with.



The restaurant is rather small, with only about seats maybe for less than 50 diners. Do come during lunch on a weekend, as the restaurants would be more spacious and you can enjoy your food at a more leisurely pace.



Had this Muscat wine which is light and fruit for a warm Saturday afternoon.



The Pumpkin Soup with real pumpkin seed oil (S$12) here is slightly more watery than usual, but it still packs a punch.



Equally good was this Spicy goulash soup (S$16) which could really wake up any tastebuds.



For the first time, we ordered Magma's Pan Fried Rainbow Trout (S$36) in herbal butter with boiled potatoes and salad. It came as a whoile fish, which had been fried in creamy and aromatic herb butter. The fish was tender and it was quite easy to remove the flesh from the bones.



Of course, no visit to Magma is complete without their famous Pork Knuckle (S$29), roasted "Bavarian" style with Sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, German mustard and beer gravy. Crispy, sinful and juicy. It has all the qualities that a good pork knuckle should have.



Was too full and we only had one dessert to share.


Magma German Wine Bistro
2-4 Bukit Pasoh Road

The Coastal Settlement @ Netheravon Road

After having some light snacks and desserts the previous time, we decided to go back to this charming place in Changi called The Coastal Settlement to try out their mains and find out if they are indeed worth coming back for a 3rd time.



Started off with Seafood Tom Yum (S$16) - Personally, we find it not spicy and sour enough. Not exactly the authentic kind of Tom Yum. But not really lousy taste, just that there is no punch and ultimately lacking spices especially lemongrass etc. Saving grace is that it is value for money good for 3 pax sharing with decent sized prawn (fresh), mussels, squid, mushroom and bread. Comes in enamel coated iron pot which is rather interesting and nostalgic.



Fresh Greens (S$12) - Fresh and simple with a nice dressing of olive oil, balsamic, basil paste and shaved Parmesan.



Tried local fare. Nasi Lemak (S$16). Rice is soft and fragrant with coconut milk. Deep fried chicken drumlets and prawns. Sunny side up egg. Ikan billis, peanuts and cucumber. Downside is the all important sambal chilli. No kick to it as it was rather mild.



Rib Eye Rosti (S$32) - Taste ok. But doneness of the steak was totally wrong. Asked for medium but served almost well done.



Gula Melaka Panna Cotta (S$12) served with red bean. Taste rather ordinary. Rather average and there is nothing commendable.



Fruit Salad (S$10) with a bit of cereal and yogurt.

This second visit was during lunch. Very crowded after the publicity in magazines and mass media. We were seated outdoor but then it rained. Fortunately, the friendly waitress moved us inside when a new table was available.

Our conclusion is that is not the usual urban setting. Nice atmosphere with sense of nostalgia. Interesting display of furniture and deco pieces. Friendly services but kitchen was a bit slow in preparing the food. Still, it was forgivable as most diners here were rather relaxed and laid back. The food not really great but Coastal Settlement scores points over ambience. Price relatively friendly too.


The Coastal Settlement
200 Netheravon Road,
Opposite of Hendon Camp