Tag Archives: Special Occasion

Winestone – For a dose of good Mediterranean food at Stevens

The new cluster of restaurants owned and managed by Oxley Holdings on Stevens Road houses quite a few interesting places to grab a bite. One of them is Winestone, a restaurant with a strong focus on wines and Mediterranean platters. It serves as a late night bar/eatery with an attempt to retain quality at affordable prices. They also have a retail section that’s slightly separated from the dining area. The warm lighting in the evening sets the tone for business groups and special occasion dinners. There is also bar seating for a quick and casual drink. Strategically located near the Mercure and Novotel hotels on Stevens Road, this restaurant caters to locals, tourists and expats in the neighborhood.

Winestone decor

Winestone decor


Winestone decor

Winestone decor

The Orders
The menu is comprehensive with a fair number of vegetarian options. We ordered the ‘Hummus with Lebanese bread’ which is a classic Mediterranean starter. The long Lebanese flatbread was nicely puffed up and quite substantial. The softness of the bread paired well with the protein packed hummus and we enjoyed it. The fresh parsley sprinkled on the top enhanced the taste of the dish.

Hummus with Lebanese bread

Hummus with Lebanese bread at $8


Since we are fans of good cheese offerings, we decided to try the ‘Pepperonata’. The two adjectives I would use for this dish are – simple and authentic. The dish had straightforward ingredients in the form of goat cheese, truffle and pistachios and was delicious. I was surprised how good the combination tasted together as the sweet notes of honey cut through the salt of the cheese and pistachios effectively.
Pepperonata

Pepperonata at $12


If there’s a vegetarian pasta, giving it variety in vegetables is of the essence. We tried the ‘Fettucine from the Farm’ from the Winestone menu. After seeing the portion size, I can definitely say that it one of the most substantial pastas I’ve eaten in Singapore. It had artichoke, sun-dried tomatoes, grilled zucchini and eggplants along with generous cheese shavings. It had the look of a timeless summer pasta dish – right from the taste to the crockery on which it was served. If you do not like any of the veggies, the restaurant is open to customizing the dish to your liking.
Fettucine

Fettucine at $25


Next, we tried the ‘Winestone Pizza’. As with the pasta, the restaurant is open to customizing this dish to your liking. We removed the pumpkin and added on olives and roasted bell peppers. The pizza was superb – a good sauce, generous amounts of cheese and delicious veggies. Bear in mind that it’s quite filling. This is definitely a shareable main.
Winestone Pizza

Winestone Pizza at $25


On the whole, Winestone is so much more than a bar because of its high quality food. For its neat ambiance, convenient location and good food, Winestone is highly recommended for a visit.

In a Nutshell Deelightful Rating
Cuisine Type: Mediterrranean ★★★★
Nearest MRT: Stevens
Address: 28 Stevens Road, #01-01, Singapore 257878
Timings: Tue-Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – midnight
Website: http://www.novotel-singapore-stevens.com/restaurants-bars/winestone/
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Hans Im Glück German Burgergrill – Delicious and healthy vegetarian and vegan burgers on Orchard Road

In Singapore’s burgeoning food scene, it is heartening to see the newly opened Hans Im Glück German Burgergrill on the busy Orchard Road. This international German chain has chosen Singapore to be its first outlet in Asia and its 50th outpost in the world. The cushy and green ambiance – in the form of a rainforest promptly catches your attention if you are walking past the Royal Thai Embassy in Orchard. Named after the famous German fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, Hans Im Glück has a sprawling space that seats 180 covers and extends in a narrow and linear passage perpendicular to Orchard road.

Hans Im Glück

Hans Im Glück

The Orders
Their menu is modeled after a storybook and is well-made with great visual appeal. By practice, I opened the second last page of the menu hoping to find some vegetarian options mentioned there. To my pleasant surprise, vegetarian and vegan burgers lead the menu. Apart from that, there are a total of 11 vegetarian and vegan burgers on the menu that boasts of a variety that will make you squeal in delight. Kudos to that as the menu shows that it not only Portobello that can go into making a vegetarian burger.

Hans Im Gluck vegetarian and vegan menu

Hans Im Gluck vegetarian and vegan menu


To begin with, we ordered the ‘Beer-battered Onion Rings’ to start our meal. Cooked in a light and airy batter, these golden onion rings are perfect as a simple snack. An appetizer that’s ideal for rustling up and sharing with friends. It disappeared in no time and I wished for more rings for that price point. They have four sauces on every table: Sweet Chilli, Orange Mustard, BBQ Sauce and Vegan Mayo. The Orange Mustard and BBQ are a must-try and go very well with the onion rings. Highly recommended.
Beer-battered Onion Rings at $10

Beer-battered Onion Rings at $10


Next on the side, we tried the ‘Sweet Potato Fries’ which were well-seasoned. These fries are loaded with salt, crispy on the exterior and quite addictive. A tasty nibble that goes well as a side along with the burgers.
Sweet Potato fries

Sweet Potato fries at $6


After staring at their menu for 10 minutes and being spoiled for choice, we ordered the ‘Wolpertinger’ Burger. This contains a spicy corn patty with aged cheddar cheese and avocado cream. They offer 3 options for the burgers – Sourdough, Multigrain in buns and the Naked version – without a bun. We tried the Sourdough bun which is specially flown in from Germany and went well with this patty. Add in the BBQ sauce to elevate this combination on the whole. They also offer an option to double up your patty at an additional price of $4 as mentioned on their menu. But when I inquired, the option to double up on a vegetarian patty comes at an additional price of $8 which is not mentioned on the menu. I wish they sort this out soon and keep the price at $4 which is the same as the other burgers.
Wolpertinger

Wolpertinger at $15


The other burger we tried was the ‘KÄSEBOR’ which has a spinach and cheese patty, parmesan and pesto. The pesto is on the salty side and you’ll need to take one or two bites to get used to the overall taste. This burger was top-notch in its overall rendition – packed with flavor and texture. It paired very well with the multi-grain bun. Their burgers give the wholesome meal experience because of the quality ingredients used in their preparation. For those who work or are roaming in the Orchard area, their daily lunch set is available from 11am to 5pm.
KÄSEBOR

KÄSEBOR at $16


Apart from this, in their drinks, we tried the ‘Still Lemonade’ in the mango-ginger flavour. An apt thirst-quencher to to get your taste buds to a fruity fresh feel. I’m sure I’ll head back to this place soon to try the other vegetarian burgers and the desserts.
For their lush and green environment and a convenient location, for their ample options for vegetarians and vegans and for offering quality ingredients at a good price point, Hans Im Glück German Burgergrill is a must-visit.

In a Nutshell Deelightful Rating
Cuisine Type: Burgers ★★★★
Nearest MRT: Orchard
Address: 362 Orchard Road, Singapore 238887
Timings: Mon-Thu: 11am – midnight ; Fri-Sun: 11am – 1am
Website: https://hansimglueck-burgergrill.sg/

Bakalaki Greek Taverna – Seng Poh Road, Tiong Bahru

Greek food is known for its rich culinary history and use of quality ingredients. Adding a sparkling blue and white banner to the Tiong Bahru neighborhood is Bakalaki Greek Taverna, a new restaurant serving authentic Greek food. This restaurant is an example on how spaces can be aesthetically designed to cast a lasting first impression. Full credit to the interior designer who has done the contemporary decor of the space. Some of the ideas worth mentioning are the barrels on the wall, zigzag wine bottles display, harbor paintings and the blue sofas that adorn the restaurant. There is a seating area in the verandah which would be ideal for brunch and the interior seating would be good for dinner to best enjoy the ambiance. The service was exemplary! We were given an explanation about the dishes, suggested the recommended items, always had the water or wine glasses refilled on time, and were told upfront about the wait time with respect to some items. Before I proceed to share my experience on the food we ordered, let me tell you right away that this place is a must-visit!

Bakalaki decor

Bakalaki decor

The Orders
I was really happy to see that Bakalaki had a lot of vegetarian options on their menu. They also have an elaborate drinks menu in which you can check out the Greek wines. They also sell some products in the retail section in case you are looking for their branded Greek olive oil. While we were in the process of placing our order, we were served complimentary bread which was warm and very good, especially those sea-salt flakes that were sprinkled on the top.

There are some dishes that we order by default at a Greek restaurant and one of them is the ‘Pita with Tzatziki’. The refreshing Greek yogurt mixed with cucumber, garlic and extra virgin olive oil acted as a classic appetizer. The pita bread was top-notch and the saltiness enhanced the pairing with the Tzatziki.

Pita with Tzatziki

Pita ($2.90) with Tzatziki ($14.90)


Do not miss out on trying a cheese dish at a Greek restaurant – either the feta or the halloumi. We ordered the ‘Halloumi’ which was served with lemon and oregano. Grilled to perfection and with the right chewiness, this cheese was satisfying on many levels. But the ingredient that elevated this dish were the cherry tomatoes. Naturally sweet, take a bite of them paired with a small slab of cheese and you will feel an enhanced food experience. Highly recommended and do not miss this if you are a cheese lover.
Halloumi

Halloumi at $16.90


The next dish was recommended by the staff and we were glad that we tried the ‘Tomatokeftedes’ which will surely remind you of a Greek Holiday. These herbed patties were made with Santorini tomatoes which are full of nutrients and have an amazing texture. Even though the patties were charred black on one side, there was no burnt taste experienced while eating the dish. The dish is under the appetizer section but is as filling as an entrée and I would call them as little pillows of delight. Do not miss this dish!
Tomatokeftedes

Tomatokeftedes at $15.90


The dessert menu was interesting and we tried the authentic Greek dessert called ‘Rizogalo’. This dessert derives its name from the two main ingredients – rice and milk. It had a dense and creamy texture like a rice pudding and was sprinkled with a gentle dose of cinnamon. We wanted something mildly sweet and this served the purpose. It also helped that it was served in jar which made it extremely convenient to eat the dessert.
Rizogalo

Rizogalo at $11.90


The simplest of Greek desserts is the ‘Giaourti’ which can be had as a snack at any time of the day. It is basically Greek yogurt served with honey and walnuts and is a simple sweet treat. Since it is made with quality ingredients at Bakalaki with authentic Greek honey, this dish was delicious.
Giaourti

Giaourti at $12.90


The ‘Greek Frappe’ is the hallmark of coffee culture in Greece and is a cool refresher on a hot day. The foam is quite thick and does not mix completely with pure black coffee. Even if you don’t take sugar normally, you will need to add the sugar syrup that they provide to sip the drink. This is for people who really appreciate the caffeine kick.
greek frappe

Greek frappé at $4.90


To be honest, I found it difficult to pick out any flaws with respect to this meal. Some dishes may feel a bit overpriced but considering the quality of ingredients used in the dishes, we found the vegetarian dishes to be worth it. Overall, it has turned out to be my favourite Greek restaurant in Singapore. For their authentic Greek food, use of quality ingredients, lovely ambiance their exemplary service, Bakalaki Greek Taverna is highly recommended for an overall awesome dining experience.

In a Nutshell Deelightful Rating
Cuisine Type: Greek ★★★★1/2
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru / Outram Park
Address: 3 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168891
Timings: Mon-Thu: 6pm – midnight ; Fri-Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm , 6pm – 1am
Website: https://bakalaki.com/

Luxe Singapore – Keong Saik Road [Gourmet Greens Week]

It’s time for vegetarians in Singapore to celebrate as the Gourmet Greens festival has begun. Running from 23rd – 29th Nov, this festival showcases some of Singapore’s best restaurants taking on an all-vegetarian menu. Priced at $30+(+) for lunch and $45+(+) for dinner, the variety of cuisines that can be tried as part of this week is commendable. After scanning through all the menus, we decided to try Luxe which is situated along the bustling Keong Saik Road. Luxe is a Sydney based cafe that has launched its first outlet in Singapore a few months ago. As we entered the restaurant, we noticed the long bar counter decorated with colorful bottles, Nordic stools, wooden chairs and warm lighting. Its nice to come here for special occasions or date nights. On weekdays, you can definitely enjoy a quiet meal here in peace.

Luxe decor

Luxe decor

The Orders
The orders were based on the Luxe ‘Gourmet Greens’ menu. It was a five-course meal with interesting options which would be served to you along with a bottle of Fiji water. Reservations are to be made via Chope and ‘Gourmet Greens’ option needs to mentioned during reservation.

Luxe dinner menu

Luxe dinner menu at $45+


Our first course was the ‘Parmesan doughnuts’ which came dusted with Parmesan shavings and Parmesan cream. This savoury finger food is as cheesy as it sounds. The cream acted as a good dip and the trademark taste of parmesan hits you in the end. This is a good starter and would pair perfectly with a cocktail.

Parmesan doughnuts

Parmesan doughnuts with parmesan cream


There is a growing trend to make vegetarian food fun and the next dish is a perfect example of delicious food. As soon as the ‘Quinoa and Beetroot Falafels’ were served, the things I noticed immediately about the dish were the pearls of quinoa and the deep red colour of the falafels. The under-salted asparagus along with the minted yogurt lent great balance to the dish. The slightly dry but perfectly crisped falafels when dipped into the thick yogurt made a wholesome bite in the mouth. Full points to this dish, it was perfection!

Quinoa and beetroot falafel

Quinoa and beetroot falafel


It is tough to get good quality burrata cheese. Burrata is similar to mozzarella cheese but much more enriched in the center. This was an unique combination – ‘Burrata with Grilled Broccoli’ along with pickled cabbage. The broccoli was extremely fresh and green and suited the theme of Gourmet Greens. The cheese drizzled with olive oil was easy to spread and paired well with the veggies. Recommended.

Burrata with broccoli

Burrata with grilled broccoli and pickled cabbage


Since I am neither a fan of mushrooms nor eggs, I asked for ‘Miso Mushroom rice’ without those ingredients. Since miso is quite polarizing in nature, the taste was quite alien to me and I could not enjoy it much. The sprinkled fried shallots and bokchoy were decent but the whole dish did not combine well for me.This could also be due to the fact that I am not used to having miso regularly.

Miso mushroom rice

Miso mushroom rice


The dessert course was very interesting. On the menu, were the ‘Pandan Madeleines’ served with kaya and coconut cream. Since the madeleines were not green in colour, I think there must have been some amount of pandan infused in it. The kaya mixes well with coconut cream and acts as a perfect base for the madeleines to be dipped in it before taking a bite. Not overly sweet, the madeleines were soft and nicely done.

Pandan madeleines

Pandan madeleines with kaya and coconut cream


It is absolutely encouraging to see a week focusing on vegetarian food and exploring variety of ingredients that deserve a mention. The entire list of participating restaurants can be found here http://www.chope.co/singapore-restaurants/pages/gourmetgreens
As far as Luxe is concerned – if you are looking for quality ingredients, good food, calm ambiance, good service and for the heart that is put into the food which is visible in the plate, do pay them a visit! And if you are a vegetarian or a foodie, go pay any of these restaurants a visit and celebrate good food!

In a Nutshell Deelightful Rating
Cuisine Type: Modern Australian ★★★1/2
Nearest MRT: Outram Park
Address: 1 Keong Saik Road, #01-04 The Working Capitol, Singapore 089109
Timings: Tue-Fri: 11am – late; Sat: 9.30am – late; Sun: 9.30am – 4pm
Website: http://luxesydney.sg/

Mykonos on the Bay

More often than not, I have wished for a quick getaway. By that I mean a vacation-like ambiance, a lazy lunch, something away from the maddening crowd – and a different cuisine. Situated in the Quayside Isle of Sentosa, Mykonos on the Bay provides a perfect combination of sunny weather and exotic waterfront view along with Greek cuisine. Quayside Isle is the new area which has opened up in Sentosa Cove and is filled with restaurants serving different cuisines. This area is situated diagonally opposite to the W hotel in case you need to explain to cab driver. When I reached the place, I noticed that it had an immediate Greek appeal – the white and blue themed cutlery, models of ships and a taverna feel. We opted for outdoor seating as we wanted to enjoy the breeze along with the view. In case if it gets too sunny, the serving staff are very kind in shifting the table to the shaded part of the restaurant.

Mykonos cutlery

Mykonos cutlery

The Orders
The menu was extremely interesting with clear description on the offerings and there were quite a few vegetarian options. It was a bit pricey, but that is expected in Sentosa and the location in which the restaurant is situated. We straight away went for the ‘Tzatziki’. It was crunchy and had the right balance of cucumber, Greek yoghurt and olives and we gobbled this up in no time. As a dip base, we ordered the ‘Warm Pita bread basket’ which went very nicely with the Tzatziki. The bread was well seasoned and spiced to act as the hot ingredient for the cool cucumber dip.

Tzatziki

Tzatziki at $13.90

Pita bread basket

Pita bread basket at $4

To beat the humid weather, I decided to go for the ‘Feta cheese and watermelon salad’ which was refreshing to the core. The watermelon had just the right sweet taste and the feta cheese along with mint leaves elevated it to the next level. I enjoyed every bite of this salad and it added to the chilled out mood.

Feta cheese and watermelon salad

Feta cheese and watermelon salad at $17.90

When a dish is clearly explained on the menu, it becomes easy to order as one can visualize the blending of flavors. Next we went for the ‘Gemista’ which was quite interesting to eat as it had Roma tomatoes stuffed with rice and herbs along with yoghurt mint sauce and fries. I had not tried rice stuffing inside a vegetable before and it’s something I definitely plan to try now!

Gemista

Gemista at $22.90


When the best is saved for the last in the form of desserts, you know it ends up in being a fulfilling meal. We decided to skip the traditional Baklava and ordered the ‘Pagoto Giaoyrti’ which was just awesome. This was a home-made Greek yoghurt ice cream with acacia honey and walnuts along with a sesame crunchy biscuit. This was a befitting end to the meal.
Pagoto Giaoyrti

Pagoto Giaoyrti at $7.90


If you are looking for a getaway, a different cuisine experience, a menu with sufficient vegetarian options, friendly service, an inauguration of your new shades, or a relaxed ambiance for a special occasion then Mykonos on the bay is totally worth a visit. Whether I will go back all the way just for the food I don’t know but it will remain a memorable experience on the whole and I might drop by for the baklava next time I am in Sentosa.

In a Nutshell Deelightful Rating
Cuisine Type:Greek ★★★1/2
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront
Address: 31 Ocean Way #01-10 Quayside Isle Sentosa Cove Singapore 098375
Timings:http://www.mykonosonthebay.com/#!menu/c24tf
Website:http://www.mykonosonthebay.com/#!menu/c24tf