LATTERIA MOZZARELLA BAR @ DUXTON HILL - "1st TIME LUNCH TASTINGS" - APRIL 27 YEAR 2012

I have been planning to "catch up" with my Good Italian Friend - MICHELE CARBOTTI ( Ex-L'Angolo ) @ his new & current "workplace" - a BEPPE de VITO's Eats - LATTERIA MOZZARELLA BAR !!! And it was TGIF and I was having a "relaxed work schedule" so I quickly "alerted" Michele that I was looking forward to do Tasting of their VONGOLE !!! And he was happy & most welcoming as always !!! ;-)

Walking under the humid and sunny afternoon from the CRAIG Car Park nearby,I enjoy the Shophouses and Greenery settings @ DUXTON HILL !!! I probably need more time or more visits to other Eats here before I can share my thoughts on my feelings on the Shophouses Eats !!! Especially it seem liked it's an EXPATs' Hangout !!! ( they sure have very Long Lunch Hours liked Happy Hours starting from Noon !!! Haha !!! ) ;-)

There's a Menu @ the Front for you to have a look before you want to check this out ( since it's not featured on their Website !!! ) ;-)

When I arrived I saw my good friend - Michele busy and more "casual like from his ex-work place" maybe i guessed LATTERIA MOZZARELL have a small Al Fresco patio area that's really great for Wine and Cigar !!! So when he finally noticed me,we greeted with a "friendly hug instead of the usual handshake" ( this is really a good friend way of greetings after a long time...maybe a few months ago !!! ) So I just requested my good friend to arrange a "light and enjoyable lunch" please !!! ;-)

Btw I read their owner have designed tis eats this way because of latest biz market trends and a new concept,so please do not have any "too high expectation of their Decor" liked their IL LIDO or FORLINO because it really just look liked a more "low budget" - cosy and casual dining place that's really packed with Regulars during weekends !!! ;-)

Since I am not yet a big fan of "Fresh Cheese" which I understand it's served in 15 different forms so I decided to "play it safe" and let Michele arranged my 1st Lunch Tastings -

Till my Next Tastings !!! ;-)

Cheers & Enjoy !!!
AnDREw ;-)

ADDRESS : 40 Duxton Hill Singapore 089618
CONTACT : +65 6866 1988
EMAIL : info@latteriamb.com
WEBSITE : https://www.latteriamb.com/

DISTRICT 10 BAR RESTAURANT @ UE SQUARE - "RE-VISIT @ NEW LOCATION !!!" - APRIL 28 YEAR 2012

When Chef LUCA - BONTA told my good friends and myself about DISTRICT 10 last year,we have been to their previous location a few times !!! There was a few Eats on their Menu were my Fav Eats !!! But somehow their EX-Location didn't made it into my FAV EATs List !!! ;-)

Liked their Decor @ UE Square !!! ;-)

Since I have arranged my Pre-Birthday Dinner @ newly opened - Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse @ Mohd Sultan Road ( which was walking distance ) I thought it was a good timing to make a Re-Visit and Add District 10 to my ShareFavEatsAlways Blog !!! ;-)

Since it have been awhile so I was needed help on their Menu but this young waiter from PRC seem liked he may have joined or maybe a part timer,I am sorry to comment that - he probably needed some more F&B training to provide better service !!! For example - when I requested for any Non-Alcoholic Drinks,he recommended both and when served,we had no idea which is which ?

- the above I guessed it will be probably - ANTIOXIDANT - $12 - ( Peach,Green Apple,Mango and Strawberry ) and the other Drink will be - DRAGON BUSTER - $12 - ( Dragon Fruit,Green Apple and Japanese Cucumber ) ;-)

And we wanted "some quick and light Eats" so he recommended this below -

MENU - SALAD - CAESAR SALAD - $14
- ( With Roasted Bacon,Croutons,Parmesan Cheese & our District 10 Dressing )

MENU - SMALL BITES - JAMON IBERICO - $22
- ( Mini Baguette Sandwiches )

I guessed somehow the above Eats didn't quite impressed me ! So I will do another Re-Visit and request for their Manager's service and recommendation of their Favs or Signature Eats !!! I noted a Japanese Family ordered their PIZZAs ( probably with Chef Luca - Bonta connection,this Eats should worth tasting !!! ;-) )

Till my Next Tastings !!! ;-)

Cheers & Enjoy !!!
AnDreW ;-)

NEW ADDRESS : 81 Clemenceau Avenue #01-15/16/17 UE SQUARE
CONTACT : +65 6738 4788
EMAIL : contact@disctrict10.com.sg
WEBSITE : http://www.district10.com.sg/

HEDIARD CAFE-RESTAURANT @ TUDOR COURT,SINGAPORE - "Finally 1st Time Afternoon TEA !!!" - APRIL 21 2012

Since I have been to PAUL's and MAISON KAYSER already,my good friend KIE have highly recommended HEDIARD some time ago ! But somehow maybe due to their location @ Tanglin Road,I needed a cool and windy afternoon liked today to take a leisurely walk there !!! ;-)

From the look from the front of their Cafe along Tanglin Road ( next to Tanglin Mall ) you already have this cozy and comfortable feeling that you can enjoy quality French Eats !!! ;-)

I also enjoy their good service by this sweet & friendly Pilipina who took her time to share with me on the Fav Eats on their Menu ! And my good friend Kie highly recommended their - Chocolate Croissant but somehow after seeing their - COFFEE ECLAIRS with CARDAMON - $8.00 - in their glass display,I joked with her that I will enjoy this first then I decide if I have the "capacity for more Sweets !!!" ;-)

And once I saw their - TEA and Herbs Tea Selection ( with infusion time ) - GREEN TEA - I told myself I must try out every item there with more Re-Visits !!! ;-)

3803 CHINA SENCHA PASSION FRUIT
- A harmony of fresh fruit on a background
of Sencha tea with predominantly passion
fruit and peach with the addition of petals

Till My Next TEA @ HEDIARD !!! Looking Forward !!! ;-)

Cheers & Enjoy !!!
AnDreW ;-)

ADDRESS : 123-125 Tanglin Road, Tudor Court , Singapore 247921
CONTACT : +65 6333 6683
WEBSITE : http://www.hediard.com.sg/
OPEN from : 9.00am to 9.00pm

HACHI RESTAURANT @ MOHD SULTAN RD - "Finally 1st Time Lunch !!!" - APRIL 19 2012

On HACHI - I probably waiting for my good Japanese Friend - S-san to arrange & invite to his Regular Japanese Eats for the longest time ! Guessed he more keen if I had "pretty looks" !!! Wahahaha !!! So finally I decided to "try my good luck by driving there after 1pm and then call & check if there was a Nice Table !!!" ( because I had this impression that it will be fully booked !!! ) But the young waitress who picked up my call - "she replied me in a hurry that I can come over & without even checking my name at all ! But I thought it be better that she note my name !!!" ;-)

Once I entered the dimly lit main dining area except for the "main stage" where their Chef Watanabe was busy making preparation for a large lunch group that probably arrived much earlier !!! And it was good that I stepped in slightly earlier so that I can enjoy a table at the centre area & avoided sitting at the corner or "being stressed out" at the counter !!! ;-)

"No idea if Chef Watanabe understand English ?"
Because when I tried chatting with him,he just tried a "forced smile" !!!

From the looks of Chef Watanabe - "he looked not too happy...probably too many orders for their BENTO MORIAWASE ( SHOKADOU ) - $38 - all about the same time including mine !!! Since it was my 1st time,I thought it will be the Best Item in their 1 Page Menu because it states - "Chef's selection of fresh assorted dishes in Bento Box.One of the best authentic bento sets you can experience !" ;-)

Guessed I should "brush up my Nihongo first before any Re-Visits" and I probably will want to check out the other Japanese Eats nearby before I lunch here again ! And probably with the afternoon rain,there was less natural light from above the main counter area so that made the dining tables quite dimly lit ! ( which I thought his Waiter or Waitress could have make some adjustment on the lighting !!! ) And also both Chef Watanabe look liked he will want stick closely to the lunch timing so that may have "stressed out his Crew a bit !!!" ( Poor Waitress dropped a bowl of Soup and then later check with me if she remove my "almost finished ( left the best to the last !!! ) Bento !!!"

Cheers & Enjoy !!!
AnDREW ;-)

ADDRESS : 6 Mohamed Sultan Road Singapore 238956
CONTACT : +65 6734 9622
WEBSITE : http://www.hachi-group.com/?page_id=113&lang=en
OPEN From : 12pm - 230pm / 6-11pm
CLOSED On Weekends !!!

AKASHI @ ORCHARD PARADE HOTEL - "ENJOYABLE OMAKAZE DINNER" - APRIL 9 2012

Since I had a Late Lunch so I stay a bit later @ the American Club - Biz Centre to clear all my work and I even managed to surfed to my Fav - DramaCrazy and watched a "funny & entertaining HK Movie - All Well End Well !!!" And after that,I was felt really good & then took a short walk since it was a cool evening to my Fav Japanese Eats - AKASHI @ the Orchard Parade Hotel !!! ;-)

And since I was by myself,I request for the Counter so that I can chat with their Boss / Chef - Mervin about that Latest Japanese Eats in Singapore & Hong Kong !!! So I requested for Omakaze ( it was liked a "early Birthday Treat to myself !!! ;-) ) with mostly Sashimi and Sushi !!! ;-)

Of course after I have mentioned that I was @ GINZA SUSHI ICHI for their Set Menu Tasting recently,he was more than happy to quickly proceeded to impress me with his Omakaze ala Akashi style !!! ;-)

Fresh Oyster With UNI

Kampachi With Shiso Dressing

Ume Shu

Nama Engawa

ISAKI

ASARI Clear Soup

Cheers & Enjoy !!!
AnDReW ;-)

ADDRESS : 1 Tanglin Road, #01-01A Orchard Parade Hotel Singapore
CONTACT : +65 6732 4438

MENYA MUSASHI @ RAFFLES CITY SHOPPING CENTRE,SINGAPORE - "NEW - 1st TASTINGS !!!" - APRIL 17 2012

After reading both Write Up In The Straits Time and also SoShiok.com - "Tokyo's Very Popular MENYA MUSASHI Ramen Now In Singapore" - by Chen Jingwen - Mon April 16 2012 - After my "bad MSG Attack Experience by a very Popular Japanese Ramen Eats in Orchard Road last year,I had a phobia !!!" But I was really curious & need to do Tastings to confirm - if this Latest Ramen Player from TOKYO,JAPAN will be MSG free and their Cooking & Quality is the Better !!! ;-)

- translated - Musashi Ramen Shop

So since there were no Urgent Sales Meetings,I took my time to catch a MRT Ride for a Late Lunch to avoid any Long Queue ( usually in Singapore,there's always the NEW Novelty Factor that many will want to the First to Taste so no matter how long the queue may be... ) But I was happy on arrival that there was actually harly any queue but the dining area was almost packed !!! ;-)

While Waiting In The Queue,You Can Enjoy Watch The Above
In Action !!! ;-)

I read that "Menya Musashi was set up in the mid-1990s in Shinjuku,Tokyo & currently has about 10 outlets.And their Trademark is "everything Samurai" !!! And outside Japan,it was opened in Hong Kong ahead of Singapore !!! ;-)

Anyway,Domo Arigato to JAPAN FOOD HOLDING - I would very much like to welcome another Japanese RAMEN Eats because I enjoy "Japanese Eats" very much !!! Btw MENYA MUSASHI is located @ the Main Entrance of Raffles City ( opposite CHIJMES ) with Interesting Fontage with Manga-style of Samurai !!! ;-)

- 5 pcs GYOZA - $5.90

Since it was my 1st Time - I was not to familiar with their Limited Menu / Lunch Menu and Signature Dish Menu - and I was also Hungry so I went ahead to order from their "limited menu" - A La Carte SIDE DISH - the above - GYOZA - ( Tasting Notes - "It was actually quite Oily and Saltish ( so best Not to Dip The Soyu Sauce Provided !!! ) and the Filling was not much !!!" ) But of course it will be most enjoyable if you order this !!! -

- It was Not Cold Enough So I Req
A Glass Of ICE !!! ;-)

- Here are my Enjoyable Late Lunches below -

And also from the same Menu - the above - WHITE MUSASHI - White Cha Shu Ramen - $12.90 - ( Tasting Notes - "Both their Ramen and Soup was Thick ! Enjoyed the Taste but Wish the Portion was More !!! ;-)

- April 20 2012 - Since I had a light breakfast I decided to order - BLACK KAKUNI RAMEN with ( 5-pc ) GYOZA - $16.90  -

Till My Next Tastings !!! ;-)

Cheers & Enjoy !!!
AnDReW ;-)

ADDRESS : 252 North Bridge Road #01-16 Raffles City Shopping Centre Singapore
CONTACT : +65 6335 6500
OPEN - 1130am - 10pm

CHINESE TEA - In Appreciation & Enjoyment Of Premium Chinese Tea !!! - Year 2012

Since I have recently decided to do a Posting on - WINE TASTING & SPECIAL SALES - YEAR 2012 - last month to have a better idea or record all the purchases that I have made from various Special Sales and Best of all - it will also be good for me to have a better understanding the different labels of WINE that I have enjoyed mostly with my Dad !!! ;-)

It's great for a Chinese Tea Lover because there are more Promotion of Gourmet Chinese Teas for Good Health @ Chinese Eats !!! And I enjoy checking out and tasting the different quality or types of Chinese Teas in their Menu !!! ;-)

I would liked to thank The CHINA CLUB for their Introduction to - A SELECTION OF GOURMET TEAS last year that "really gave me a chance to re-new my Interest in Fine Chinese Tea !!!" Of course I have enjoyed every Gourmet Tea in their Menu !!! ;-)

And here are DECORs in Luk Yu ( above ) and Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh ( below ) that I enjoy looking @ all the Tea Pots there !!! And once there are any Special or Gourmet Teas Menu and if their Chef's Cooking is really good standards,then I will do more Re-Visits and very soon be a Regular there !!! ;-)

Here are Chinese Tea that were given by my Good Friends - which I can enjoy @ my Fav Bak Kut Teh Eats ( Pork Rib Soup ) - see Posting please ! ( Will do more tastings @ other Bak Kut Teh joints soon to hunt for the Best & Fav !!! ) -

So here I would also like very much to do a posting for another of my Special Interest - CHINESE PREMIUM TEA - especially since when I am now enjoying sipping the different types of Chinese Tea almost daily @ the Long March Bar - The China Club or I will even BYO from my own Collection to enjoy @ my Fav Chinese Restaurants like EAST OCEAN !!! ;-)

This week I have started to spend time reading all the books on Chinese Tea that I have brought some time ago because I have been visiting and buying more Quality Chinese Tea @ this Shop - WANG SAN YANG TEA PAVILION @ ION Orchard ! I enjoy for ( Mini ) Tastings & Lessons of different type of Chinese Tea from SHI MEI !!! ;-)

Last Year and Newly Arrived - LONGJING

Their Best Selling - DA HONG PAO

- YUNNAN PU ER ( LA ) Y1999 - $29.00
- WUYI SPECIES - ROU GUI - $38.00

- Here's another Tea Merchant - TenRen's Tea Co - that was featured in a event @ TAKASHIMAYA earlier this year & I would like to buy more Quality Premium Chinese Tea after enjoying their PU ER below -

And this is a Gift from my good friend PC that I "treasure and will enjoy slowly" -

- And this is another Special Refined Tea that "hand carried all the way from Kunming by my GooOOOD Friend - JL" -

- Another Special Gift from my GooOOD Friend - JL - "I am so happy that he recalled that I mentioned to him before that it will be great if I had a chance to taste this year New Picking of Long Jing Tea ( and this was bidded by his good friend in the recent Tea Auction in Shanghai and it's really very expensive !!! ;-) )

Tasting Notes - It's recommended to just use a little bit of tea leaves and add hot water & little bit of cold water to enjoy the best taste !!! ;-)

- Here are my Collection of Books on Chinese Tea -

- Others to be added soon !!! ;-)


- Here's A List Of TEA MERCHANTS that I like To Check Out -

- Kwong Chen Beverage Trading
22 Sago Street,Singapore 059019
Tel: +65 6223 6927

- Pek Sin Choon Pte Ltd
36 Mosque Street,Singapore 059514
Tel: +65 6323 3238

- Tea Chapter
9A,11 Neil Road,Singapore 088808
Tel: +65 6226 1175
Website : http://www.tea-chapter.com.sg/

- TenRen's Tea Co., Ltd
259 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058808
Tel: +65 6735 8253

- Xixing Xuan Teahouse
30 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088453
Tel: +65 6224 6961
Website : http://www.xixingxuan-teahouse.com/

Cheers & Enjoy !!!
AnDreW ;-)