The Bird Southern Table & Bar Opens at Marina Bay Sands

Award-winning Yardbird has finally opened its doors at Marina Bay Sands under the name The Bird Southern Table & Bar, offering authentic Southern U.S. cuisine and warm hospitality. Think hearty, comfort flavors that are rich and leaves you coming back for more. 

On the table of almost every group of customers is the signature Chicken "n" Watermelon "n"Waffles ($45) which spells everything that you see on the plate. Brined in a secret marinade for 27 hours according to a heritage family recipe before being deep fried in an air pressure fryer, the chicken is not shatteringly crunchy but has a light crispness that retains moistness beneath the skin. Even the most challenging breast meat section was well-executed. The chicken wings are already very flavorful on its own but the honey hot sauce is readily available for that extra kick (though less spicy than Tabasco). Just as important here are the tender Vermont sharp cheddar Cheese waffles that works as an outstanding pair with the bourbon syrup.

The Macaroni n Cheese ($14) is another popular favorite (especially amongst kids) that is made with five artisanal cheeses. Probably because I had this immediately after the chicken, the taste was comparatively lighter than usual Cheese dishes elsewhere. But that's not a bad thing. Just try to dig in while it's hot before the pasta starts to dry up.

For those looking for light appetizers and drinks, The Bird's extensive beverage program serves up high quality cocktails, whisky and bourbons from the signature Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade and to the regional-inspired The Japanese Pork Chop, Ong Bak and Pandan Mule. The drinks are truly refreshing and their restrained sweetness is what I like best about them. In fact, alcohol lovers or wine connoisseurs would delight to know that The Bird boasts one of the most impressive selections of bourbon and internationally sought-after spirits. The menu even offers special bourbons to pair with the fried chicken!

Diners can enjoy them alongside appetizers such as the creamy deviled eggs and Fried Green Tomato B.L.T, of which the latter is a less common combination of house smoked pork belly, pimento cheese, smoky tomato jam all stacked on a deep fried green tomato. With plenty of umami-packed ingredients all in one bite, this dish would make you go mamma Mia. For desserts, we tried the Cafe Creme Brulee and Banana Pudding which are truly keeping up with the spirit of authentic Southern US desserts. In other words, they are extra creamy, rich, dense and sweet. Honestly speaking, I'm not a fan of their desserts. However, for their other interesting sweets that are not categorized under desserts (e.g. 77 elvis pancakes - peanut bacon butter, bourbon maple syrup, banana compote, chocolate chips) give me a call and I'll be right back anytime.

B1-07, Galleria Level

The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

Lunch
Monday - Friday: 11:00am - 4:00pm
Dinner
Daily: 4:00pm - 11:00pm
Drinks and Light Snacks
Daily: 11:00pm - 2:00am
Weekend Brunch
Sat/Sun: 10:00am-4pm

Click here for updates and menu

 

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Tasty Court by Chef Pung 尝鲜阁 : Journey to the East for Delicious Chinese Food

My parents came home one Saturday night and raved to me about their delicious dinner at Tasty Court by Chef Pung Lu Tin. It is a new restaurant that has only been opened for a month or so by celebrity chef Pung who used to helm the kitchen of now-defunct Seafood International in East Coast Park. Wow, when did my parents become so informed of the new hot places when it hasn't been posted on social media (almost zero post on Instagram but some on facebook). Not even in mainstream media. And rarely do I see my parents react so fervently towards the food.



But when I looked at the food pictures they took and how my parents described the food, I was immediately convinced that I had to give it a try. Even if it means I have to travel more than 1 hour to the East. To play safe, my friends and I stick to the chef's recommendations listed on the menu and none of them disappointed!

The 浓汤花胶煲 Braised Fish Maw with Chicken Stock in Pot ($28) boasted a pale-yellowish broth that was unexpectedly rich, flavorful and lightly peppered. Even though I thought it was slightly salty, my makan kakis felt the seasoning level was just right The slices of ginger imparted some heat to the soup while the fish maw was smooth, gelatinous and not fishy at all. Fortunately, the pot was huge enough to feed my table of four with two servings per person because one serving is simply not satisfying enough! #太好喝

Another must try dish is the Crispy Dong Tok Roasted Chicken ($22). The chicken was still dripping oil when it made entrance but this classic Cantonese dish often only seen in wedding dinners doesn't taste greasy at all. Hats of to the roasting chef because the outermost skin is crisp, yet retaining some fats beneath. The meat is tender throughout, including the breast meat part.  Dabble the chicken with the special chilli sauce for the extra shiokness but even on its own, it is already finger licking good!

My parents said I needed to try the Tobiko Fried Rice and the Stewed Vermicelli. But since we only had space for one, we opted for the 乌巴叶焖米粉 ($16) stewed vermicelli in opeh leaf. Having fully absorbed the essence of the seafood stock, the stewed vermicelli were wet and tasty, with bonus bits of deep-fried flat fish to enhance the aroma and texture.

A meal couldn't be complete without desserts and the selection here isn't extensive. But that's not a problem as we spotted the one with like to try--Orh Nee with Coconut Milk ($5). The yam wasn't too sweet but nothing spectacular like the mains. On the other hand, the Soy Milk Pudding with Mango Sago Purée tasted strangely like a coffee pudding.

Overall, the food here is very reasonably priced and the menu offers a good mix of classic and innovative dishes. Singapore Chilli Crab Fried Kway Teow? Hainanese Pork Belly? I'm not in a rush to be back but I know this definitely won't be the last time I'll dine in here.

1 Figaro Street Singapore 458322
11am-2.30pm
6pm-11pm
Tel: 6538-3533

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Miyazaki Mansaku 宮崎料理 万作 : Only Place in Tokyo to Taste Buri Chicken

"Chicken in Japan tastes better than those in Singapore", according to my folks.
Don't think dirty. I'm talking about the chicken from the fowl family.
The sight of any kind of chicken, deep-fried or steam (preferably steamed), gets my folks excited whenever they make a trip to Japan because they simply love to eat chicken. Therefore, I brought them to Mansaku, the Tokyo outpost of a Miyazaki restaurant established since Showa Year 9. The menu features a wide selection of Miyazaki specialties from the jidori (aka kampong chicken), Miyazaki beef, and Kurobuta and locally produced vegetables.

The signature dish was none other than the premium Buritori no Momoyaki (2380yen) a charcoal grilled dish featuring the local Miyazaki breed Buritori chicken. I must confessed that the chicken were so black that they didn't look appetizing at all. I haven't tasted enough chickens in Singapore to do a fair comparison but these elite chickens from Miyazaki are firmer, chewier and more muscular than the usual chicken I come across in Tokyo.

The only seasoning here is salt but less is more because all one needs is the natural taste of the chicken. Nonetheless, it was still pricey to me and I wonder if there's a huge difference if I order the cheaper alternative using Kirishima tori at 1780yen.

If you really want a taste of Buritori, I recommend you to get the signature Oyakodon. The eggs were slightly too runny for an Oyakodon but thankfully the taste wasn't diluted. The Chicken Shio Soba was a pretty comforting bowl of clear soup ramen but the broth was too salty.

One must-try dish is the Kirishima tori nanban style (920yen); a golden slab of juicy yet crunchy chicken doused in tartar sauce. Heck the calories and dig in when it's piping hot. The Kirishima Kurobuta Kakuni (1080 yen) is another classic dish done well as the pork was tender and flavorful. It was also a good break from all the chicken.

We went ahead to order three salads, even though the waitress advised not to as the portion was huge. My all time favourite has always been potato salad and the version here did not disappoint. It's not just potato but chunks of root vegetables bound together with perfect seasoning. Reservations are highly recommended unless not dining at peak hours.

Shibuya Hikarie 6F

東京都渋谷区渋谷2-21-1渋谷ヒカリエ6階
Shibuya, Tokyo, Tokyo 150-8510

11am-11pm

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Hashidaya はし田屋: Value-for-money Oyakodon in Shibuya

Hashidaya's oyakodon has been on my list for the longest while. As one of the famous names in town when it comes to yakitori and Oyakodon, Hashidaya has three outlets (Nakameguro, Roppongi and Sapporo) besides its main shop in Shibuya.

Its Oyakodon is available during lunch and dinner but it would only make logical sense to visit during lunch simply because you pay less than half the price for the same dish minus the appetizers. 

It isn't any veritable shrine like Tamahide where people queue up way in advance to pay their pilgrimage. Nonetheless, the place still oozes old-school elegance, feeding the hungry working crowd in the vicinity with hearty meals. The chicken belongs to the Asabiki local breed from Chiba prefecture while the eggs are sourced from Iwai City, Ibaraki prefecture. Asabiki 朝引き refers to the chickens that are slaughtered in the morning of the day when the meat is consumed. In other words, its commonly used to emphasize fresh quality. 

For 850 yen, the bowl came with generous chunks of tender chicken, draped in a just-set egg with a golden orange egg yolk atop steaming white rice. The egg wasn't too sweet and there's not much fault to pick in this bowl except that it tasted quite under-seasoned for an average donburi. But with the three types of shichimi (especially black one) sitting at the side, we gobbled up the rice in no time. 

As good as the Oyakodon may be, it's the formidable "Nanban chicken"  (800 yen) that stole the show. This is so special because the chicken was deep-fried in a very light and crispy egg batter which permeated the meat with egg fragrance. 

Smothered in creamy yet chunky egg mayonaise, this simple dish is a triumph--and I was tempted to ask for seconds of that mayo. 


Lunch menu is only limited to 3 choices so do come at night for the ala carte menu if you are looking to feast. But with decent food at highly affordable prices, I can see why Hashidaya's tori-ryori has been doing a roaring trade. 

Hashidaya はし田屋
Shibuya outlet
Lunch Hours: 11:30am – 3pm
Dinner Hours: 6pm – Midnight
3-15-4, Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number: 03-5774-4105
Website: http://www.hashidaya.com/shibuya/index.html

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Grain Bread & Brew : Hidden New Cafe with Amazing French Toasts

I didn't plan to have so many French Toasts during my recent trip but I guessed these experiences help me identify the good from the mediocre ones. And I found my favourite here.

Located within an approximate 15-min walk from Shibuya station, Grain Bread & Brew is a young café that has opened barely for a few months since July this year. The open kitchen is just next to the coffee making area and you get to see everything freshly prepared upon order.

The café is run by a small team but the food and service are no less humble than a full-fledged restaurant. I first noticed this potentially good spot when I saw the egg sandwich featured in social media. In fact, the concept revolves around delicious sandwiches around the world. Think burgers, ciabattas or pitas with a Japanese influence to it.

Unlike most tamago sandwiches that are prepared with mayo, the "Omukatsu Sando with Horseradish Sauce" (¥918) embarked on a manly approach by smothering a brown Demi-glacé sauce on lightly toasted shokupan before sandwiching with scrambled eggs in the form of tamagoyaki. Imagine pork katsu and omelette compressed into one but without the deep-fried calories. The robust sauce set this apart from the ordinary sandwich and the ratio of eggs to bread was perfect.

But the real star here is the Creme Brulee French Toast. For just ¥850, you get a beautiful golden pud with a dark, Caramelized glaze that is still settling down from the blast of the kitchen torch. It's crispy and bittersweet on top, super custardy and creamy in the center, capped of with the amber kiss of honey.

There's barely any bread besides the thin layer at the base so it won't be burdensome on the belly. The toast itself wasn't sweet at all but you could still derive sugar satisfaction from the nuts-coated vanilla ice cream and sautéed apples. So uproariously good that this dish alone is worth seeking out and should be on the hall of fame for Best French Toasts in Tokyo.


In fact, it was the Matcha French Toast which made me return for the Creme Brulee French Toast. It might lack a crispy exterior but the intensely deep matcha flavour snuggled in the rich-of-the-moment toast made up for everything. 

You wonder why they went the extra mile to serve it with red beans, candied nuts and ice cream. But this is what made it so special from the run-on-the-mill cafes. Washed it down with a matcha latte and you will keep smiling for the rest of the day.


On the menu with scrumptious bites like a karaage chicken mayo burger and a monster bacon ciabatta sandwich. If you are a cafe-hopper who believes in quality food, it'll be a shame to miss this from your list.

Grain Bread & Brew
2-20-18 HIGASHI, SHIBUYA, TOKYO
11am-9pm Tues to Fri
8am-9pm Sat / 8am-7pm Sun
Closed on Mondays
http://grainbb.com/

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