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Inspired by the wide ranging food available & travel accessibility in Singapore, this blog serves information shared and experienced by the author. Beware, it might be highly addictive.
Having passed by Chic-a-boo at HillV2 multiple times, I'm still quite skeptical about the taste and did not prioritize her in my "To Try" list. It was after hearing positive feedback from friends and colleagues about their pleasant experience then I had make some plans to visit them. Chic-a-Boo offers fresh tender chicken, set meals, bites and sides similar to the fast food joints we had in Singapore.
Chic-A-Boo
Environment is clean and spacious, with ample of seating around. They do not give me the typical fast food joint feel whereby advertisement of their food can be found everywhere in the restaurant. The place is suitable for families and large groups as they are equipped with round as well as long tables.
Environment
With self helping Kiosk near the entrance, this allow patrons to order their food and do their payment straight away.
Self Service Kiosk
However, if you still prefer ordering food with some human touch, you can proceed all the way into the restaurant and place your orders over the counter. Instead of being in the queue to wait for your order, they have a numbering system in place and will buzz off once its ready for collection.
Condiments like Tomato and Chilli sauces can be taken at the side of the counter.
Ordering Counter, collection Point and Station
Drinks that came with set meal
3 Piece Set Meal includes 3 pieces of chicken, 1 corn muffin, 1 drink and 2 sides of our choice. Corn muffin caught me by surprise, it wasn't the kind of biscuits served in Popeyes. It was warm, full of corn fragrant stuffed with corn kernels. Curly fries were rather standard and for onion rings, they were using those quality big cuts ones.
For the main attraction on the plate - fried chicken, there are 2 choices to choose from, Hot & Spicy or Crispy. Comparing to what we had KFC, Hot & Spicy will be KFC, Crispy edition whereas Crispy will be KFC's originals.
3 Piece Chicken Set - $9.50
The combination of 2 Piece Chicken Set is the same as the 3 Piece Meal just that there is 1 piece of chicken lesser.
2 Piece Chicken Set - $7.90
As compared to the Crispy version, Hot & Spicy elevates the urge in wanting a meal in Chic A Boo more. Despite being juicy and succulent which already win most of the fast food place hands down, it has a little hot fiery kick in its golden batter crisp skin.
Chicky
TCO salad was rather interesting and I guessed that the abbreviation should refer to Tomato, Cucumber and Onions. It has a zingy dressing that refreshed the taste-buds after a those fried flavours.
TCO Salad
Coleslaw on the other hand was not too bad too. Refreshing and not too creamy.
Coleslaw
So what's the verdict? I'm on the same side as my pals who mentioned that their fried chicken was way better than KFC, with my trip down to Chic A Boo, I confirmed that there is no doubt about that. Using fresh tender chicken, there was no signs of frozen meat smell or taste which is actually my main concern on the chickens. Other than that, price of the meal is rather competitive too. Portions are big and you get to have two sides, really value for money!
Being a regular visitors of HillV2, Weekdays night there may seem quiet but when its nearing the weekends, you start to see some of the restaurants were pretty packed.
I'm rather surprise with a handful number of patrons waiting to queue at Kinsa Sushi as the place was full house. (It seems a good sign isn't it?)
Kinsa Sushi
Just because of the crowd, I could not get a better seat deeper into the Sushi place but I was sitting beside those glass panels near the entrances.
Ambiance was a classical Japanese eating place with wooden furnishing.
Environment
As soon as you enter the restaurant, you will never miss the Sushi Bar Counter which is operated by a sushi conveyor belt under an attractive lighting.
Sushi Bar Counter
Menu
Value for money option? I would recommend their Set Meal. I had chosen their Kinsa Zen Set A at $25.80 which consist of a trio of sushi and sashimi together with hot soba, chawanmushi as well as 2 slices of fruits.
Sashimi was rather fresh while chawanmushi was not too bad after all. I was rather surprise when i receive the soba in a bowl of hot soup with vegetables and their fish cake. The dish was straight forward and simple.
Kinsa Zen A Set - $25.80
Sushi
Sashimi Sushi & Tamago
Katsu Don came in two variation, the Pork or the beef and we had the "Buta" (Pork) version. Style was pretty much similar to a Oyako Don dish just that the meat was deep fried version. Eggs, mushroom and yellow onions were part of it. They had used too little gravy which result that half the bottom part of rice were too plain to be eaten. It would be good if the amount of meat can be increased too.
Katsu Don (Pork) - $12.80
Standard for the whole Ika (Squid) was acceptable. However we find that it was abit overdone with the dry surface. The dish as a whole is best not to be eaten alone like this, perhaps with some rice.
Surume Ika Sugata Yaki - $11.80
Overall, the service was not too pleasing, there were extreme long waits between dishes which is not the usual speed of a restaurant practice in Singapore. Food wise, in terms of taste, standards and quality there were nothing much impressive.
Still remembering the days that I used to travel to Lim Seng Lee Famous Teochew Boneless Duck Rice... it was the best braised duck I had back then. We kissed good bye to Lim Seng Lee Famous Teochew Boneless Duck Rice Stall in South Bouna Vista Road in year 2013 whereby Mr Lim claimed that he is too old to work and has no successor.
During the last few weeks before they closed their shutters, the crowd had simply increase by folds and was simply over the capacity of what the shops could cater,
leaving tables of customers left waiting eagerly for their food.
Not soon after, I heard that their kind of recipe is still in the market and even a stall for it. Accumulating my feedback over a period, I finally visited their Stall in Sam Leong Road. Sam Leong Road is a busy place whereby parking is a big headache.
Stall in Coffeeshop
If you not aware, this business was started by brother-in-law of Lim Seng Lee's Founder, Mr Ang Chiap Teck. We ordered what we like and luckily was in time before they closed for the end of the day.
Presentation of food looked similar to before with slices of braised duck thinly cut and stacked onto the plate with cut cucumbers bed.
Our Meal
The first taste from the sauce was stunning, it had exactly the same taste as Lim Seng Lee with texture being starchy and generously covering the duck pieces. If you have been a regular or can even recall the experience over back then in South Bouna Vista Road, this plate of braised duck is definitely of no competition. The meat was a total change, it was no longer carrying the tenderness and softness in its bite. Instead, meat was tough and dry.
Duck Meat for 2 Pax - $10
Besides selling braised duck meat, we can also see similar dishes like Kangkong, Tofu, Sambal Prawns available. It was a total replication of Lim Seng Lee's Menu. We had the Tofu and the taste was not too far off, they were still as silky cooked with Tau Pok in starchy gravy and onions as garnishing.
Tofu - $6
Rice was still as fragrant with the memorable taste of the braised sauce. However, the taste of the soup was clearly very different. It was salty instead of the usual sweetness.
Rice with Braised Sauce - $0.50
Though the duck was nothing as compared to the original recipe, I still like the style of its gravy. However, the location makes it rather uncomfortable to travel alone as well as its availability of parking spaces. On a side note, service is rather good as the lady knew the parking issue, she only start preparing and serving the order when we were all present.
Rating: 3 / 5
Lim Seng Lee Famous Teochew Boneless Duck Location: Kim San Leng Eating House, 16 Sam Leong Road Singapore 207907
Walking along Arab Street, you will be spoilt for choices if you are looking for some Mediterrean or Middle Eastern Cuisine.
Beirut Grill
The Fine Lebanaese Cuisine restaurant is housed in a 2 storey high shophouse whereby patrons get to enjoy both Alfresco as well as indoor seating.
Ambience
Entering up into the upper level of the restaurant, I was amazed and as such enchanted by the environment. Settings boast a change in the atmosphere completely with Lebanese decor setting the mood. Ambiance was romantic with attractive drapes and plushy cushion seating. Not mentioning that the placing of mirrors reflecting the lights had also enhanced the surroundings.
Environment on Level 2
For Muslim Pals who may enquire about the food. Do note that the food they served is certified Halal and their chefs are Muslim Arabs. However, they do serve alcohol too.
Coster
Welcoming our dinner with Beirut Mezza Platter to pair along with their home made pita breads & Falafel. Served in a plate where by each quarter carries its kind of unique tastes, I was pretty amazed by the eye pleasing platter.
Beirut Mezza Platter - $22
Texture of the Chickpea puree with sesame paste was rather creamy and smooth with extra virgin olive oil added. It was slightly lemony but this spread goes well on the plain Pita bread.
Hummus
Pack of cheese fragrance, initially I thought these little deep fried rolls tasted close to our localized spring rolls stuffed with vegetables. These Lebanese Pastry were crispy and appetizing, stuffed with feta cheese, a hit for cheese lovers. :)
Cheese Borek
Enjoy another well prepared spread, Baba Ghanoush to go with the Pita Bread. Baba Ghanoush is made up of Char-grilled eggplant with mixed capsicum topped with olive oil.
Baba Ghanoush
Last but not least, aubergine puree topped with extra olive oil.
Moutabal
Pita bread was warm and awesome. Made from wheat flour, they were simply soft and fresh from oven. Place some of the above mentioned spread on them and enjoy the simplicity of Middle Eastern Cuisine.
Home Made Pita Bread
Love these Falafel best among the food items in Beirut Mezza Platter. Usually served together with Pita Bread too,wrapped. Falafel is made up of fava beans, deep-fried into croquettes and served with tahina sauce. It's a must try as they were not too oily, crunchy and soft in the inside.
Falafel
Mixed Grilled Kebab Platter that serves at least 2 pax portion is a good choice to start with if you are unsure of what to order. It consists of Shish Taouk which refers to chicken cubes in orange. The chicken had a unique flavour whereby overnight marination had permeated the flesh with Lebanese herbs & spice.
Lamb Kebab Kofta, the char-grilled minced lamb was done up with Arabic herbs & spices with a special taste too.
Tikka Kebab was the Char-grilled beef cubes marinated by their Chef special spices.
Mixed Grilled Kebab Platter - $36
Perhaps the scene stealer would be Beirut Lamb Chops. It is the Chef's special dish, very well done up, with meat being fork-tender & juicy, giving me a total different perspective of a lamb meat.
Lamb Chops
Lamb chops were slightly in red, marinated in Arabic herbs and spices too.
Lamb Chops
Lamb Chops
Rice
One of the highlights while dining will be the Belly Dancing Session organised by Beirut Grill.
Belly Dancing
Be enlightened during your meals every Friday from 8-10pm with Belly Dancing.
Belly Dancing
And be mermerized by performance.
Belly Dancing
Here's some part of the belly dancing for the night.
Marinated Fish cubes were rather decent in Arabic herbs and spices. The fish tasted abit salty in my opinion.
Samak Meshwi - $18
Fish Cubes
Rating this dish as the best of the night, the egg plants based dish were simply inviting and I couldn't resist myself for another helpings. Similar to the creation of Lasagne but in the style of Middle Eastern Cuisine and served in hot plate. Heartily and deliciously done up with char-grilled eggplants cooked with chickpeas & onions, the tangy flavours from the tomato sauce had permeated the mushy soft egg plant. Definitely Memorable! Remember not leave the dish alone without having the vermicelli rice that was served together.
Mousakaa - $16
Rice was fluffy with hints of herbs and topped with fried onions. Under the orange lightings, one of my friends had actually pointed out there was "Bee Hoon" (Vermicelli) in the rice which I found was an interesting combination.
Vermicelli Rice
The dinner has a sweet ending as we were served with Baklava. With characteristics of the cuisine former ottoman empire, it is not surprising that these pastry are rich and sweet. The charm about the pastry was that it was made from a layers of filo filled with crashed nuts lavished with honey & rose water. Presentation was up one level with beautiful swirls of whipped cream that stood out in the middle of the plate topped with a red cherry.
Baklava - $12
Ambiance was great especially on the second level in Beirut. Besides that, it's hard to find some exotic tastes like this in Singapore as well as being Middle Eastern Authentic. Beirut gave me a better experience and knowledge of the cuisine itself. Furthermore, service was hospitable with friendly servers around that top up our water so frequently.
To dine making money worth, you can simply download the Singapore Entertainer Application on your mobile devices and enjoy a "buy one main course and get another free". Let your Authentic Middle Eastern Fare begin at Beirut Grill now.
Entertainer App
Recently, the app has been updated with 2 additional useful features that will enhance users' experience.
1) It offers to ping your friends by
tapping on the paper airplane icon. When you open up an offer and input the
e-mail address of the friend you want to gift a voucher to, he/she will
have 10 days to accept the offer, and after accepting the offer, all
he/she would need to do is download the Entertainer Singapore app and the
offer would show up on their phone. They have until the voucher expires at
the end of the year to use it. No more tearing up vouchers from the book
and passing them around!
2) The in built Uber function allow them to drive you to the Entertainer merchant you wish
to visit, with rates stated on the screen. (Shown above)
The
Entertainer Singapore offers more than 800 Buy One Get One Free offers
for Singapore’s hottest restaurants, bars, informal dining, spas,
activities, attractions and more. This year’s product includes the
Entertainer Travel 2015, which features over 250 free night offers at
leading 4 and 5* hotels across Asia and beyond.
They have also partnered with tripadvisor so that users can view ratings as well as reviews for hotels, attractions and restaurants in the Entertainer or even write your own.
App can be purchased at S$60 and available on multiple platforms like Andriod, IOS, Windows, Samsung Apps or even BlackBerry World. If you like to have deals in hard copy form, The Entertainer Singapore
book, which contains the same coupons in paper format, is priced at S$75
and is also available for purchase at their website
or selected bookstores. The promo code "2015ALVIN" will entitle one
to a 10% discount upon checkout on the website.
My last visit to Sunny Choice Organics was more than a year back. It was another fine day that my colleague and I decided to have an impromptu dinner over there when our initial plan does not work out. Thinking about eateries near Bukit Batok MRT, the idea of having our meal sure revolves around food from the food court. Since those were simply too mainstream, I suggested to go Sunnychoice.
Interior
If you are not aware, Sunnychoice is about a minute or 2 away from Bukit Batok MRT Station. Its a organic food place that carries wide selection of organic/natural products, serving tasty food even suitable for vegetarians. The setup is by a family, operated by 5 sisters ever sinced 2007.
Merchandise
Ever since the 1st Visit, I would say I'm pretty well-versed by the operations in Sunnychoice. We chose a seat and took out the Samsung Tablet Device to make our order.
Tablet Ordering Service
Sweet broth and mock meat sums up the dish! Unbleached Mee Sua was used in an assortment of vegetables like celery, corn, dried mushroom, lettuce and tomato add with vegetarian mutton, bean-curd and Taupok in the herbal soup,
Bak Kut Teh Mee Sua - $8.50
There is a choice of Bee Hoon or Noodle and we opted for the former. Curry Noodle was not too spicy and contained carrot, cabbage, potato, turnip and beancurd. Unlike the usual curry that I had outside, Soy Milk Vegetarian Curry is used here and you won't get to taste the thick coconut cream. With such ingredients, we were assured to have a guilt free diet.
Curry Bee Hoon - $8
Abacus as a side was great. Its chewiness and smooth texture were irresistible. No doubt yam played a major part in the ingredient, there were not too much of the taste. Never knew that I could come across such Hakka bites from an Organic stall. Instead of just Tapioca Flour, Abacus was deliciously mixed with mushroom, black fungus, vegetarian mutton, bean curd, carrot, coriander, sesame seed and pepper.
Abacus - $14
Lemon Grass was totally out of the expectation. Instead of the sweet and light lemon grass scent I got from prepacked drinks or even in Thai Restaurant, what they have served here was totally concentrated. It was bitter with both lemon grass and ginger scent.
Lemon Grass Hot & Cold - $3.50 Each
With so many interesting dishes on the menu termed as an healthier choice, I see more return trips coming.
