Tetsu: The Season and Reason for Indulgence

We'd enjoyed our first trip to Tetsu, and for the second time, we were invited back here in this surprise-filled restaurant to sample their very own Festive Menu. It was exciting as we sat back in anticipation and await the 8-course journey to unfold.

Kani Tofu, Swordfish Tataki, Sake Namazuke
(Part of Tetsu Christmas and New Year Set),   S$58++,   

Don't be deceived by the tiny sizes of these three appetisers - they got our appetites kicking up in big churns! It might be the sour factor that played off so well with the fresh Swordfish Tataki and Sake Namazuke (Salmon with vinegar), while the Kani Tofu evened out the acidity levels pleasantly.

In fact, the Kani Tofu WOW-ed us with so much amazement that we began to doubt our own taste buds being 'haters' of century egg and plain tofu - yes, the gray stuff is actually blended century egg. Speak about creations!

Sashimi Moriwases (Part of Tetsu Christmas
and New Year Set),   S$58++,   

Salmon sashimi, tuna sashimi, and yellowtail sashimi presented in an artsy manner. The raw fish slices were fresh in general, but the tuna one lacked a special kind of firmness which we personally like.

Gindara Sukiyaki (Part of Tetsu Christmas
and New Year Set),   S$58++,   

The nub of this flavoursome paper pot soup came from the sweet cod fish slices, which melts snowily between our tongue and palate.

Rosu Katsu with Ebi Katsu and Garlic Fried Rice
(Part of Tetsu Christmas and New Year Set),   S$58++,   

When we saw these being served, we could already feel the bloatedness up mentally. For the Rosu Katsu (pork loin), it turned out to be dry and rigid, completely opposite from what we'd expected after trying out the Hire Katsu previously. The Ebi Katsu (shrimp) fared much better, but above all, we still appreciated the extremely light batter used.

Despite knowing the amount of carbos present in that bowl of sinful Garlic Fried Rice, we couldn't resist its fragrant temptation! It was a breeze wolfing down three quarters of this awesome mishmash of garlic, rice, eggs, and spring onions. But sadly, just when we thought all was good and dry, we found oil soaking at the very last quarter.

Dragon Roll (6 pieces) ,   S$18++,   

The Dragon Roll was heavenly, celestial, and whatever deific terms you could think of to describe this! Ebi (shrimp) sushis laid in the resemblance of a majesric dragon, topped with crispy Tempura crumbs, cod roe, and a drizzle of Japanese mayonnaise. Shiok shiok SHIOK! This had become our 'favouritest' dish of the afternoon!

Homemade Sesame Ice Cream (Part of Tetsu Christmas
and New Year Set),   S$58++,   

I guess this Homemade Sesame Ice Cream was a well made one considering the presence of sesame bits in addition to its very strong flavour. However, the taste is strongly personal. I hate black sesame, so it sucked, but Lionel found it quite nice. Hence, it really has to depend.

Banana Tempura and Ice,   S$7.80++,   

Perhaps by the end of a complete 8-course meal, we were way too full to take in any more taste. The Banana Tempura was okay lah - resembled much of the Japanese version of Goreng Pisang served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

VERDICT
Even though this meal was on Tetsu, me and Lionel both agreed that we seriously wouldn't mind paying for it; because we know what we're paying for - quality. Anyway, with Christmas and New Year rolling in at such a time together with your bonuses, it sure does call for a reason to luxuriate doesn't it? And FYI, this Tetsu Festive Menu is available from 23 December 2008 till 2 January 2009.

Enjoy your year-ends everyone!

Tetsu
#03-18, Tanglin Mall
163 Tanglin Road, S(247933)
(+65) 6836 3112
Mon - Sun: 11.30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
http://www.tetsu.com.sg

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Victor's Kitchen: Authentic Dim Sum at a Steal

Ever since business bloomed due to the word of mouth, this humble looking eatery had expanded from one stall to three scattered stalls around the ground level of Sunshine Plaza.

To be honest, Victor's Kitchen looked rather "lok kok" with minimal attention paid to its renovation. But we don't really care because if they're scrimping on that to deliver us quality food at low prices, why not? I'll just grab a shaky wooden stool, sit down, and eat my hearts out.

Victor's King Prawn Dumpling,   S$3.80++,   

The freshness of the prawns play a major role when it comes to eating Har Gaus, and this one here didn't disappoint us. Prawns were tender and bouncy, and the transluent skin clinging around were thin and soft, yet firm enough to hold the entire dumpling together without falling apart.

Tasty Queen Size Siew Mai,   S$3++,   

I don't know why Har Gau Siew Mai must go together when people speak of dim sum, but we're not missing this out. The Siew Mais didn't appear 'queen size' as stated in the menu, but they were still quite tasty alright. It wasn't soggy, and most importantly, it didn't reeked of the foul pork smell which we both hate.

Scallop, Sausage Carrot Cake with XO Sauce,   S$3.80++,   

This Carrot Cake was apart from the fried ones we usually eat, and it was quite fascinating to see the whole steamed carrot cake literally soaked in XO Sauce. Taste wise, though somewhat bland with zilch hint of any Scallops nor Sausages, it went really smooth and well with the heavy XO Sauce.

Steam Chicken with Chinese Wine,   S$2.50++,   

Not just one, but all of the chicken parts were composed of bones, and very fatty meat. Yuck.

Oyster Sauce Char Siew Bun,   S$2.80++,   

We are big fans of Char Siew Baos, and the ones served here are definitely in our top ten list! The buns were made of soft cottony goodness loaded with juicy chunks of Char Siew - two is never too full!

Milky Custard Bun,   S$2.80++,   

The first Custard Bun we've tried was right here at Victor's Kitchen, and following our first unforgettable experience, we went around trying Custard Buns from other places but none could become a match for this. We simply love how the rich creamy egg custard blended perfectly with the salted egg yolk - sweet with a slight tinge of saltiness.

King Prawn Cheong Fun,   S$3.50++,   

You can really skip the Char Siew Cheong Fun here, because it was so-so and you could find much heavenly ones at House of Rice Roll and Porridge @ Killiney. Go for the King Prawn Cheong Fun instead which the Killiney eatery loses out at.


The prawns, like those in the Har Gaus, were so fresh you could hear them crunch!

Youtiao Cheong Fun,   S$3++,   

Initally when we saw this in the menu, we were like, "who the heck would put a Youtiao into Chee Cheong Fun?" Nevertheless, being curious, we ordered the dish anyway and it turned out to be an absolute no regret! A very unique dish to speak of - with the crispyness of the fried dough sticks in contrast to the silky rice rolls, and together with the sweet black sauce, the combination was simply out of this world!

Crispy Golden Shrimp Rolls,   S$3.50++,   

None of the online reviews we've seen had mentioned about this dish, but it was admittedly great in our modest opinions. The beancurd skin was light and crispy; the hot shrimp fillings were juicy and delicious; and the vinegar added more even more punch to everything.

Passion Mango Pomelo Sago,   S$4++,   

Don't forget to order this soothing Passion Mango Pomelo Sago as dessert to end off a gratifying dim sum meal.

VERDICT
Overall, we are very satisfied with Victor's Kitchen and the affordable prices that go along with it. Though menu items were pretty limited, they were enough to tell us what good authentic dim sum is. (We heard that the owner's actually from Hong Kong!)

Victor's Kitchen
#01-21/27/48, Sunshine Plaza
91 Bencoolen Street, S(189652)
(+65) 9838 2851
Tue - Sun: 10.30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Mon: Closed

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Riders Cafe: Hidden Find

We were doing some online research for makan places around Bukit Timah area when we stumbled across this restaurant - Riders Cafe.

Secluded in a secluded Bukit Timah Saddle Club, it was an instant urban getaway with long winding roads and overlooking greeneries welcoming you from everywhere.

With wooden finishings and unshut windows, one can totally loosen up in such an environment. What's most awesome about this restaurant which offers a different dining experience from others is that you could actually spot horses trotting by while savouring your meals!

Buffalo Wingers (Half a Dozen),   S$8.95++,   

These Buffalo Wingers came in as a sweet tasting surprise - they weren't spicy at all! (At least to us.) But despite missing out on the usual fiery kick, these wingers still carried off their unique sweetness well. If the thick sauce coating didn't seem enough, dip them into the special mayonnaise for a even sweeter smack.

Mushroom Chorizo Pasta,   S$15.95++,   

In a bed of healthy looking Linguine, you could find thin shreds of cheese, slices of button mushrooms and also Chorizo (a mixture of several types of pork sausages). We thought that the pasta appeared too dry-looking for Aglio Olio style, but upon trying, the humble strands proved us wrong with their spring and flavour - everything nice and delicious in much less oil.

Ribeye,   S$28++,   

Man, this was definitely one good Ribeye! The grill, the tenderness, the succulence, the cut, the sauce, the presentation gets your cutleries and gastric juices running in full swing. Even the sides like asparagus, carrots, and roasted potatoes were not taken lightly of.

Death-By-Chocolate-Cake,   S$11.95++,   

Love on first bite, sick after fifth bite, hate at tenth bite. Chocolate cake with warm runny chocolate sauce is no doubt yummy, but when it's an overwhelming portion, errr... Our advice - share it!

VERDICT
We were in love with every little bit of Riders Cafe from the moment we stepped foot in until we left. Delectable dishes enjoyed over luscious sceneries with greens and horses - how often do you chance upon places like this in our lion city?

Riders Cafe
Bukit Timah Saddle Club
51 Fairways Drive, S(286965)
(+65) 6466 9819
Tue - Sun: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Mon: Closed
http://www.riderscafe.sg

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