Category: Newly Opened

Patissez Freakshake: Milkshakes So Sinful, You’ll Feel Guilty For A Lifetime!

Growing up in my family, getting a milkshake in a restaurant was a pretty big deal for a child. It meant that you were being rewarded with a treat of something other than juice or the rare soft drink. Plus, you got to choose the flavour of the milkshake and revel in a cup of vanilla, chocolate or strawberry.

Nowadays, milkshakes are a lot more bold and exciting, especially with the creation of ‘freakshakes’ a few years ago! Freakshakes, an extravagant milkshake that may just freak some out with its ingredients, is originally from a patisserie called Patissez in Canberra, Australia. Patissez has recently landed in Singapore with four amazing flavours!

Patissez Singapore

Located on the ground floor of the still fresh Raffles Holland V mall, Patissez Singapore touts slightly extravagant milkshakes better known as ‘freakshakes’. It’s originally from Canberra, Australia. These flavours are mostly a mix of different food items that most people would love on its own, but even more when it’s in a cup together.

This is the second international branch of the original Patissez brand, with the first being Patissez Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. The creator of the Patissez Freakshake said that they are planning to launch in Thailand and China in the future.

Patissez Freakshake

At first glance, Patissez’s signature Freakshakes look almost like they were squeezed into a mason jar too small for what it is — a heavenly, decadent mess. Depending on the type of shake you ordered, you would find whipped cream, peanut butter and chocolate overflowing out of the jar. Patissez Freakshake instantly transports you to Willy Wonka’s magical factory.

Patissez Singapore carries four freakshakes: the Muddy Pat, Pretzella, Mint Condition and Sneaky Freak.

As we tried all of these four shakes, it became increasingly evident that these unmistakably unique concoctions are more than just items on the menu. Priced at $16 a drink, each Patissez Freakshake is an experience.

Patissez Freakshake – the Muddy Pat

We munched down on the Muddy Pat, a chocolate-y shake that comes with vanilla mousse, a heavenly fudge brownie and a marshmallow. As we savoured it, we mm-ed and aah-ed our way, as if experiencing a gastro-orgasmic release.

Patissez Freakshake – Pretzella and Mint Condition

My favourite was the Pretzella, a Nutella-meets-pretzels kind of shake that I would, without a doubt, describe as ‘best of both worlds’: salty and sweet. Slurping the shake with a straw, finishing the messy yet beautiful milkshake made me felt cathartic.

You might also find the Mint Condition a good buy, especially if you are a fan of mint chocolate and cookie sandwiches. It would have been even tastier if the cookie sandwich was made out of ice cream, but that might just make it even more over-the-top.

Patissez Freakshake – Sneaky Freak

Since peanut butter isn’t exactly my favourite topping in the cabinet, I have to say that the Sneaky Freak wouldn’t be my first choice. But from what I’ve heard, it is every bit delicious and lip-smackingly good as it is salty and creamy.

Patissez Food

Aside from whipped cream-topped drinks, the Patissez also functions as a restaurant with many top-notch dishes to boot. Popular choices include its all-day breakfast selections, from bacon jam toasty to Brekkie Burger to Corn & Zucchini Fritters.

It is also well known for its burgers, all served with fries and Patissez special sauce. Examples include the Freak Burger which is made up of two beef patties, double crispy bacon, bacon jam, American cheddar and housemade BBQ sauce. For the non-beef diners, the Crispy Panko Chicken Burger is not to be missed. It comes with Panko sesame chicken, kewpie mayo, pickled vegetables ad lettuce.

With a wooden-plank ceiling and warm lighting – in low hanging bulbs no less, this cosy cafe will definitely make a good date spot for folks. It’s the best place to relax and enjoy a sinful drink with some good ol’ brunch and company. Just be careful not to overeat!

Patissez Singapore
Address: 118 Holland Avenue #01-06 Singapore 278997
Tel: +65 62623616
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM, Mondays to Fridays, 9 AM – 10 PM Saturdays and Sundays

This was an invited food tasting session

Header image credit: Patissez Singapore

Also, read The Most Elaborate Milkshakes in Singapore! – A Drool-Worthy Photo Gallery

[Review] Yunomori Onsen @ Kallang – The Place To Soothe All Aches

Wisma Atria Brings Japan To S’pore – Tsukiji Sushi To Wagyu Beef!

It’s not cheap to fly all the way to Japan for a food adventure. Don’t even get us started on the language barrier! But guess what? Japan Food Town will officially open its doors at Wisma Atria, Orchard on the 16th of July 2016! It’s about curating and bringing the best of Japanese food to our sunny shores!

We Singaporeans loveeeeee Japanese food. From takeaway sushi rolls, cook-it-yourself curry rice or the ‘I saved for moths for this piece of Kobe beef’, there’s always an occasion for Japanese food.

Image source: Japan Food Town

But how about authentic Japanese food? How many of us actually had proper artisanal sushi (not machine pressed rice with corn and mayonnaise)?

What is Japan Food Town?

Known for their deep fried pork cutlet (specifically Japanese black-haired pork, also known as kurobuta) served with homemade sauce, you sure can count on Anzu for your Katsu cravings. Everything is prepared from fresh Kyushu produce. They even grow the vegetables themselves!

2. Onigiri @ Bonta Bonta

Do not underestimate the Rice Balls (onigiri) at Bonta Bonta. Every grain of rice is carefully selected by a ‘Rice Sommelier’ and processed to the highest standards to qualify as Kinmemai – low-calorie brown rice with high nutritional value. Certainly a humble dish prepared with lots of effort and love.

3. Sake @ Dassai Bar

Hokkaido’s unique geographical location means access to the best flavours of both worlds – the sea and the land. You’ve heard people rave about their seafood (Hokkaido crab!!) and soba from the Tanjong Pagar branch. How about trying it for yourself at Japan Food Town?

5. Handmade Udon @ Inaniwa Yosuke

Ramen Ramen Ramen! Need we say more?? We’d love to let the broth do the talking but what makes Machida Shoten really special is their “Iekei” concept, which translates to noodles that are cooked to the diner’s specified softness or hardness. Personalised Ramen, bring it on!

7. 2 Michelin Star Hotpot @ Nabe Seizan

Feeling under the weather? Maybe a 2 Michelin Star hotpot (nabe) will pick you up. Helmed by Tokyo-born chef, Haruhiko Yamamoto, Seizan strives to bring out the true flavours of each ingredient rather than rely on sauces. Be blown away by this nabe.

8. Premium Teppanyaki & Wagyu @ Osaka Kitchen

Ever wonder what a ‘premium Teppanyaki’ experience is like? Just head to Osaka Kitchen for the finest wagyu on hot stove. While you’re at it, order Okonomiyaki (savoury pancake) and Yakisoba (fried noodle) for a true blue Kansai dining experience.

9. Fried Chicken @ Rang Mang Shokudo

This isn’t just ANY fried chicken. Tokyo’s Rang Mang Shokudo’s fried chicken is marinated in buttermilk for 6 hours. It is then double fried in low heat to bring out the umami, that desirable Japanese flavour. Pair it with their signature frozen lemon cocktail…that’s definitely finger licking good!

10. Mackerel @ Sabar

Started in 1997, this eatery operated on a simple motto – “good quality food with reasonable price”. Try their beef and vegetable buffet Shabu Shabu or Sukiyaki and you’ll understand the true definition of amazing quality food and reasonable price.

12. Sushi Takewaka from Tsukiji Market

At Yakiniku Heijyoen, their beef is treated like fine wine – only top quality black haired wagyu beef from Japan is used. Before the beef even sees the kitchen, it is first aged for tenderness to bring out a deeper concentration of beef taste. Beef lovers, this is a treat you don’t wanna miss.

15. Yomoda Soba

“Yomoda” means many things – carefree, fun, easy going, but most of all, it’s a word used for friends to see things on the lighter side of life. Boasting freshly made soba served with “Yomoda” hospitality at a surprisingly affordable price, this is the kind of place you’d want to visit with your family and friends.

With such a wide range of authentic Japanese food to choose from, which eatery would you like to try out first? You can bet that we’ll be heading down with friends & family. Let’s pen this new food town in our food bucket list!

Japan Food Town
Official opening date: 16 July 2016
Location: 4th Floor, Wisma Atria Shopping Centre, 435 Orchard Rd, 238877
Operating Hours: 11am-11pm daily
Website: Japan Food Town

Header image source: Pexels

For more Japanese food in Singapore, click here.
Also, read A Rundown Of What’s Cooking At Food Opera – 8 Stalls You Must Check Out!

A Rundown Of What’s Cooking At Food Opera – 8 Stalls You Must Check Out!

Orchard Road has always been a convening point for us Singaporeans. It is a glitzy, world-famous shopping stretch that is adorned with restaurants dishing out fine dining selections. However, when it comes to eating at Orchard, we know how you feel; hunting down affordable (apart from fast food) comfort food can be tougher than scouting out the best bargains during GSS.

If you’ve got your head in your hands about what to eat at Orchard, fret not! We’ve discovered this hidden food gem of a place, and we’re letting the cat out of the bag. The reopening of Food Opera at Set C ($25)[/caption]

The white bee hoon at this new stall differs slightly from the Singaporean version we’re familiar with – Xing Lou’s unique rendition has wok-fried vermicelli simmered in shellfish gravy. The gravy is not as viscous as our local version but has a complex depth of flavour and a sweet aftertaste. The bee hoon has an ultra-soft, springy bite that breaks easily with each mouthful.

We all know how grimy stale seafood tastes like, and Xing Lou goes the extra mile to ensure this never happens. Expect only the freshest of crustaceans as seafood is imported from Endau, one of Malaysia‘s largest fishing ports, almost every other day.

Set C is perfect for sharing as it comes with a generous serving of bee hoon and an impressive seafood medley of prawns, crayfish, scallops and clams. If you’re not into sharing (we totally understand), you can opt to have your own bee hoon with any crustacean of your choice from just $6.90.

2. Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh

[caption id="attachment_10887" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Signature Prime Ribs ($10.50)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_10888" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Claypot Tofu ($8.70)[/caption]

Bak kut teh (pork bone soup) has always been a familiar favourite; a warm and comforting broth that fills both your heart and stomach with joy on a cold day. Ya Hua, a long-time contender in the bak kut teh scene, is helmed by founder Madam Gwee Peck Hua who believes in cooking healthy, unpretentious food that is humble yet comforting at best.

This bak kut teh recipe of hers underwent countless revisions after years of trial and error before the broth was finally perfected. Boiled for hours, the soup is flavourful with just the right hint of pepper – it won’t leave that burning sensation down your throat, yet will warm the cockles of your heart. The meat is well-cooked and tender and glides off the bone effortlessly. If you find chewing off the pork bone a hassle, Ya Hua also has a boneless sliced pork soup option ($7.50) – now you’ve got no excuses.

Apart from her iconic bak kut teh, Madam Gwee has also introduced new, homely dishes into her menu at her new stall. The Claypot Tofu – silken tofu simmered with steamed egg and pork balls – is laced with a nostalgic taste of home. Every mouthful of this humble dish will remind you of grandma’s cooking.

3. Ah Yat Kitchen

[caption id="attachment_10890" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Ah Yat Shredded Roasted Chicken with Fries ($6.50)[/caption]

Ah Yat may be a new tenant at Food Opera, but it has been a household name since the 1970s. While they’re undeniably known for their abalone, do give their Roasted Chicken a try! With meticulous care, the chicken is marinated and roasted to coax out flavours that will delight your taste buds. After the chicken is roasted to perfection, it is seasoned with sesame oil and sesame seeds to further enhance the flavour of this traditional Chinese dish.

The texture of the shredded chicken is impeccable – you won’t have to worry about it being too dry! All these tedious preparations contribute to fragrant, hand-pulled chicken so tender you have to try it to believe it – it might possibly give your favourite Hainanese chicken rice stall a run for its money. For $6.50, you get a quarter-chicken serving of meat and a choice of crispy fries or a bowl of rice on the side.

Another gem to try Ah Yat would be their Abalone Baked Rice ($8.80); a fragrant and delectable mix of egg fried rice with baby abalone.

4. Scotts Hwa Heng Beef Noodle

[caption id="attachment_10891" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Beef Noodle Combo Set Meal ($7.50). Credit:

Fishball Noodle ($5.50)[/caption]

Fishball noodle – a satisfying, fuss-free Singaporean dish that needs no further introduction. Forget about all day breakfast! Fishball noodle has been a go-to for breakfast, lunch and even supper for as long as we can remember.

Here at Li Xin, they take great pride in serving quality, handmade fishballs. Their fresh fishballs are made of top-grade yellowtail fish meat and chilled in cold water (no freezing!) to ensure freshness. According to second-generation owner Mr. Eddie Lim, this is an age-old method used to keep the fishballs bouncy and succulent. These rustic balls have a unique, ‘meaty’ texture to them – a world apart from the processed ones you find in supermarkets, in a good way of course.

The dry version of their mee pok noodles is tossed in an otherworldly concoction of chilli and ketchup, striking a perfect balance between sweet and savoury. It does not have that strong vinegar sourness but rather a mild, tangy aftertaste, much like good sourdough bread. As for its soup counterpart, the broth is refreshingly addictive – you will be down to your last slurp before you know it. Fans of pork lard, you’re in luck. Li Xin is extremely generous with their self-prepared, fried pork lard – sinful at best but irresistibly good.

6. Riverside Indonesian BBQ

[caption id="attachment_10894" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Ayam Panggang Set ($6.50)[/caption]

You can’t call yourself a true blue Singaporean if you haven’t heard of Riverside. We’re kidding, it’s never too late to introduce this hearty dish into your world. Their bestseller, the Ayam Panggang (Indonesian grilled chicken) set, heralds snaking queues at Food Opera daily.

Riverside goes to great lengths to serve this scrumptious dish. The chicken thigh is first dipped in a secret sauce – a combination of Indonesia spices. After being set to rest, the thigh is barbequed till it exudes a smoky aroma. That’s not all! Before being served, the thigh is dipped in a homemade special black sauce. This is THE sauce that defines their legendary ayam panggang.

The dish is served with a slab of omelette, homemade sambal chilli and rice slathered with curry gravy. The coconut-heavy curry is slightly on the sweeter end and is not too spicy, so go ahead and raise the spice level with their killer sambal chilli. All in all, this divine combination of grilled chicken in black sweet sauce, rice smothered with curry and sambal chilli gets a resounding nod of approval from us – and probably half the population in Singapore already.

Seafood lovers, you can also rejoice! Riverside serves up equally delish BBQ squid and fish too.

7.  Padang Padang

[caption id="attachment_10897" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Ikan Assam Pedas ($3.50),
Ayam Kari ($3.50/drumstick or $5.50/quarter chicken)[/caption]

If you, like every other Singaporean, live for cai png (economical rice), then this Indonesian version of our everyday staple provides a refreshing twist. You are more than free to mix and match a variety of meats and vegetables that are prepared daily, but we’d say go straight for the Ayam Kari and Ikan Assam Pedas.

The Padangnese-style ayam kari is essentially chicken simmered in a rich, coconut curry gravy that boasts a blend of at least seven spices. The chicken has a firm, silky texture and slides off the bone with a simple tug.

The ikan assam pedas, on the other hand, is a sour-spicy stingray dish prepared with a medley of fresh laksa leaves, tamarind and lemongrass – so rejuvenating, it’s almost like a wake-up call for your taste buds. The stingray is fresh with a nice succulent texture. We absolutely love the spot-on tanginess of the gravy – it is not too sour and has an addictive aftertaste that leaves you salivating for more.

The folks behind Padang Padang only cook with raw spices specially imported from Indonesia. You’ll also be pleasantly surprised to know that Padang Padang uses no preservatives or MSG in any of their dishes. Kudos to them! We now have the liberty to order anything here without setting the MSG alarms off.

8. Ice Shop

[caption id="attachment_10899" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Bobo Chacha with Taro Balls ($3.20)[/caption]

You know what they say, there is always a dessert stomach – the happy ending to any meal. We love our rainbow cakes and churros, but traditional desserts will always hold an uncontested place in our hearts. This stall has a lengthy menu of over 35 hot and cold selections to satisfy your sweet cravings. The portions are not monstrous, so you won’t get jelat of the milk-based treats.

The Chendol here is remarkably different from the ones served elsewhere. Topped with jackfruit, it is a rich and flavourful thirst-quencher in a bowl. The red bean and sago jelly balances out the sweet and salty coconut milk nicely, and the shaved ice is doused in the ever familiar Gula Melaka. No doubt an ideal finish to a satisfying meal, or a midday indulgence.

If your palate gravitates more towards the warm desserts, the Bobo ChaCha with Taro Balls is a traditional option with a twist. The usual, transparent tapioca pearls you would expect to find in this coconut milk-based broth are replaced with taro balls instead. These purple, jelly-like balls have a strong, natural taro taste to them. No bobo chacha is complete without sweet potato and yam chunks, and the ones at Ice Shop are delightfully soft, but not to the point of mushy.

The next time you’re in town (we’re guessing soon), do drop by Food Opera for your local hawker and street food fix. Apart from old favourites, the new tenants are also part of a carefully curated bunch with authentic and quality food to offer – all in the comfort of air-conditioning. Now you’ll know where to get the best eats at Orchard.

Food Opera @ ION Orchard
Address:
#B4-03/04 Ion Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
Singapore 238801
Tel:
+65 6509 9198

Operating Hours:
Sunday to Thursday, and Public Holiday 10am – 10pm
Eve of Public Holiday, Friday to Saturday 10am – 11pm

Brought to you by Discover SG x

Majestic Peking Duck: The New 5-Star Hawker Dish?

You heard us right – the Peking duck has made its way into our local hawker scene! Helmed by award-winning chefs Yong Bing Ngen and Yang Lai Fatt from the is dishing out restaurant quality fare at economical hawker prices. Gone are the days when you require special occasions to indulge in this plate of 5-star goodness.

Also read: Knickers+Bockers – Create Your Very Own Pizzas And Eat Them Too!

Songkran In Singapore – Get Soaked At USS Soak Out Water Party!

With daily maximum temperatures expected to reach a high of 35°C  in the first week of July, the weather in Singapore has been terribly unbearable. Dry and warm days are coming, but we have the perfect solution for you. This coming month, bask in the sun and beat the heat at USS Soak Out Water Party! You’ll get to join in the festive parade, groove to catchy music, and engage in water play fun!

The Splashing Festive Parade – USS Soak Out Water Party

All park guests get to join in the fun! With two mini parades converging at the park’s Lagoon Stage for 30mins, no one in the USS Soak Out Water Party zone will be spared the splashes.

Don’t say we didn’t warn you. Be armed with your water guns purchased from the carts around the water fight area. Expect a whole lot of water cannon blasts and possibly buckets of water poured on you!

When your water supply runs low, just head to one of the refilling spots to fill up those water guns!

Don’t Worry, There Are Safe Zones

If you’re not in for the wet party, you can still check out the festivities without getting yourself wet. Avoid the Lagoon Stage from 3pm to 3.30pm and use this opportunity to hop onto your favourite rides.

Alternatively, look out for the wet-dry boundary to stay out of the water blasts.

Dance Away With DJs And Local Bands

As you engage in some water play fun, groove to catchy music by entertainers, DJs and local bands. Don’t miss the Soak Out After Party as well!

DJ Inquisitive will be on the mixer. The local pop band The Good Karma will be playing some ‘90s music on Friday and Saturday nights.

Extended Hours At Soak Out After Party

After the sun sets, park guests can continue to chill out in an evening after-party. It begins in front of the New York Public Library. Happening from 6pm to 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays nights (except on 23 July), the facade will be transformed into eye-popping projection with mapping displays.

Live entertainment will be available exclusively after dark. Expect only the best beats and top hits!

Guests without the all day pass who wish to just attend this event are able to do so. Just purchase the after 5pm passes at $55.

It’s Family Friendly – Get Up Close And Personal With Your Favourite Characters

Festive parades run through selected zones in the park which begin at 3pm (or 5.30pm on days when Hollywood Dreams Parade is on). Get up close and personal with 50 over characters including the Minions and Sesame Street friends at the Lagoon Stage in Hollywood zone.

Some Tips For You – USS Soak Out Water Party

1. Be sure to check out the show schedules

It is recommended that you plan your itinerary around the Waterworld show timings. For weekend visitors, plan around the magical Hollywood Dreams Parade and the incredible fireworks of the Lake Hollywood Spectacular. Do note that from now till 1o August, at 3pm (or 5.30pm on Saturdays), two floats set sail from Far Far Away or Sci-Fri City. Join in the water party at Lagoon Stage or reserve your spot in front of the Lagoon Stage at 3pm for some good procession photos.

2. Your park tickets for USS Soak Out Water Party are valid the entire day

Park guest are able to leave and return USS for the entire day. Just remember to get a hand stamp at the exit and you’re all good to go!

3. Express passes save a whole lot of time

If you wish to skip the lines at all your favourite rides and attractions, add a Universal Express or Universal Express Unlimited to your Day Pass. With the pass, you’ll have access to a separate queue with a shorter wait time!

4. Remember to waterproof your phones and bring an extra set of clothes

If you’re planning to join in the water party, bring waterproof covers or ziplock bags to protect your phone. Also, bring an extra set of clothing so you can change out after being soaked at the USS Soak Out Water Party. Store your clean clothes and valuables in the lockers.

5. Lastly, leave your water guns at home

For safety reasons, only two types of water guns are allowed. These can be purchased from the carts around the water fight area. Do note that guests can only use water guns sold at Universal Studios Singapore

USS Soak Out Water Party Details

The party wraps up with a countdown and blasts from water cannons, alongside high-flying aerialists. If this is your kind of fun, call your friends and family, and purchase your tickets here.

USS Soak Out Water Party
When: Daily 3pm (or 5.30pm on days when Hollywood Dreams Parade is on –Resort World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269
Event phone: 6577 8888
Price: Adult $74, Child (Ages 4 to 12) $56, Senior (Ages 60 and above) $36

Also, read Summer Sonic Festival – Party Like There’s No Tmr In Japan!

Hi-tech Bowling Alley Strikes Punggol: Put Them Bowling Shoes On!

Calling all bowlers! Whether you’re a sure-strike pro at bowling or a gutter feeder newbie, you’ll definitely have a strikin’ good time at this newly opened hi-tech bowling alley.

Remember how bowling used to be for teenagers and kids? Well, the new alley lanes provided by Punggol SAFRA now makes bowling a more family friendly affair. With more 5-pound bowling balls and automatic lane bumpers, kids will be sure to enjoy the game too!

Orchid Bowl @ Punggol SAFRA

Orchid Bowl has recently launched a new bowling alley in SAFRA Punggol. It has since attracted large crowds but

What makes this bowling alley stand out from the rest?

For starters, all 24 lanes are equipped with highly interactive smart screens. These provide bowlers with new bowling fun. The screens contain more than 1000 different types of animations and themes for players to choose from.

Some features, such as MadGames, allow bowlers to compete against their teammates in different skill-based challenges. These games are the first of its kind in Singapore and are only available at this alley. The games also contain the Score Assist feature, which gives beginner bowlers an advantage over seasoned players. With slight advantage given to beginners, complacency is something experienced bowlers will no longer risk being.

Other cool features such as YouToons allows bowlers to snap pictures and create avatars of themselves. Fans of Mario Kart will find this feature slightly familiar.

If you haven’t tried cosmic bowling (aka bowling with glow-in-the-dark pins and balls) you can now do so at this bowling alley. Orchid Bowl @ Punggol SAFRA is set to operate its Cosmic Bowling nights every Friday and Saturday, starting from 1st July.

Price

The rates at this new bowling alley are charged per hour. Experienced bowlers can now play to their hearts content as there’re no restrictions on the number of games played within the hour. How awesome is that?

With so many cool and family friendly features, you won’t have to worry about the little ones getting bored or that they’ll get upset when they lose because with the new features and added support, who knows if your kids may even beat you at your own game!

Orchid Bowl @ SAFRA Punggol
Address: 9 Sentul Crescent #05-03, S828654
Opening Hours: Sun-Thurs 10am-1am, Fri & Sat 10am-3am

(Header Image Credits: twincityfamilyfuncenter.com, words by editor)

Also, read 13 Best Things To Do In Punggol That Show Punggol Is Not Boring At All!