Kuishin-Bo: Second "New" Branch

The basement of Jurong Point was revamped into a whole stretch of food street called Shokutsu 10 Osaka, filled with a new cluster of Japanese restaurants, including a second branch of Kuishin-Bo.

Pardon me when I use the word 'new', because when we went to try, it was really new then. Haha but I've been constantly updating my personal blog yet too lazy to update this one, that all my super backdated waiting-to-be-reviewed food reviews had snowballed into a huge (old) collection!

It's high time I start.. a few entries (hopefully) for the moment.

The peaceful looking zen setting can never be peaceful once the noisy crowd sets in.

Edamames and Sushis,   

What are Japanese buffets without Sushis? But these were of average taste and quality, and I always believe in not stuffing yourselves with too much Sushis because they're filling!

Sashimis,   

Our three favourite kinds of Sashimis - salmon, tuna, and swordfish.

Chawanmushi and Cha Soba,   

The steamed egg in the Chawanmushis were soft and smooth; while the Cha Soba was like any other.

Snow Crabs,   

Advertised as the star attraction of the buffet, these Snow Crabs were indeed the cream of the crop!


Sweet succulent juices spurt right into your mouth with every suck made on the fresh snowy meat! Wow these Snow Crabs totally won me over since the first time I tried it, and it had always been the ONLY reason why I'd still return to Kuishin-Bo this time when the rest of the buffet had long degraded.

Anyway, like I mentioned in my first post about Kuishin-Bo, I still think topping up S$10++ for the dinner buffet is worthwhile because of Snow Crabs.

Hot plate dishes were something that the Jurong branch offered over the Teppanyaki dishes at the Suntec branch.

Beef Burger on Hot Plate,   

I've read other food reviewers saying how hard and overcooked the beef patty was, and I think the restaurant tried to improve it by breaking up the beef patty into smaller pieces. It was still quite hard and overcooked, but at least easier for consumption now.

Salmon on Hot Plate,   

The Salmon meat was rather flaky, and the raw beansprouts were a weird combination.

Omu Rice,   

Rice here was hard, omelette was slightly overcooked (due to personal preferences), but the sauce was pretty nice. Not bad but again, be mindful of its filling nature.

During dinner buffets, the restaurant would play a tune that goes "Dong dong dong 123.." (I'm sure you've made fun of it before) to give out special dishes for the first 30 customers.

'Kiasuism' was overwhelming as the whole string of people literally surged forward in line within seconds, even faster than a fire evacuation.

Mini Lobster with Sweet Chilli,   

Okay we were one of the first 30 Kiasu buffet crowd, and we got this Mini Lobster. Actually it wasn't really fantastic, but rather the sense of satisfaction in getting the special item.

Desserts,   

Bite-sized desserts are always good so you could try a much wider variety.


Tiramisu, mousses, jellys, eclairs..

Green Tea and Vanilla Soft Serve,   

A sweet messy way to end the buffet!

VERDICT
Unless someone's throwing a treat for us, we would never return to Kuishin-Bo again. Not that it's really really bad, but because we had already grown sick of all the variety there. Time for a new buffet venue!

Kuishin-Bo, The Authentic Japanese Buffet Restaurant - Jurong Point
#B1-47/51, Jurong Point Shopping Centre
1 Jurong West Central 2, S(648886)
(+65) 6792 9286
Mon - Sun: 11.30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
http://www.res.com.sg

Buffet Lunch:	S$26.90++ (Weekdays)
	S$28.90++ (Weekends)
Buffet Dinner:	S$35.90++ (Mon - Thur)
	S$39.90++ (Fri - Sun)

Food:
Ambience:
Value:
Service:

CP: Part 1 of the Prepacked Series

Was given a great opportunity to try out some CP products and the first product I tried was the Breaded Butterfly Shrimp.

A simple dish where anyone can cook easily and serve in minutes - anyone can become a great chef!

CP Breaded Butterfly Shrimp,   S$6.50 nett,   

For this Shrimp, I personally find that the portion could be slightly bigger and the taste would be better if it's less floury, but this might not apply to others as I have a sensitive tongue. In addition, the appearance looks tempting enough for you to give a bite instantly.

VERDICT
Overall, an easy to prepare dish without frills.

CP Foods
Available in all leading supermarket stores
(+65) 6538 7020

Food:
Value:

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

Food:
Ambience:
Value:
Service: