Tao's Restaurant

Location: 1 Selegie Road, Paradiz Centre,
#B1-19, Singapore 188306
Website: http://www.taos-restaurant.com/
Date of visit: 22/03/2009
Time of visit: 13:30
No. of pax: 3

How They Charge

$19.80++ for Lunch (6 Course Set Menu)
$29.80++ for Dinner (7 Course Set Menu)

'Please be careful as the pan is HOT', the service staff warned!
Not only is the pan hot, the item is also hot.
As the name suggest, it consist of bacon, mushroom and cheese~~
You are suppose to spread it onto the bread.
Talking about the bread, it is so fluffy and soft which I really am missing it NOW!!
oh....the bread is free flow BUT you have more items coming up!!

The top of the fruit salad is actually crab stick but chopped into fine pieces.
When I ordered, I thought it would be those normal fruit salad which the fruit are in cubes
but to my surprise they are actually chop into small pieces and served as in the above diagram. The crunchiness from the fruit and the sweetness from the mango sauce makes this salad unique!
The other two was ordered by the others.
So....no comment till next time i try!

The Cream of Mushroom tasted like the one from Soup Spoon and the Shark-Fin Melon Herbal Soup makes you more hungry with the ingredient it uses.
It looks oily from the picture above but actual fact, it doesn't.

The grape mallow tea tasted very sweet and it doesn't have the taste of tea.
It is like Ribena, maybe it is one, just that they add flower to it!
As for the rose apple tea, I like the idea of them putting in apple cubes in it,
why don't they put grapes in the grape mallow tea?

I appreciate the service staff for suggesting to have the chilli seperated from the stingray because of the spiciness.
He actually warned that this spicy stingray is really spicy!!
Being someone who loves to eat spicy food, this spicy stingray is a MUST order.
Without adding the chilli sauce, it is a little spicy and by adding the chilli sauce to it,
it will give you the SHIOKNESS.
The stingray is fresh and the serving is just nice.
Comparing the baked prawn to the stingray, I think I got a better deal in ordering the stingray.
We were actually guessing if the prawn is tiger prawn as it is very BIG,
didn't find any special about the prawn, just that it is coated with cheese.

The creme brulee is their popular dessert and so we ordered to give it a try.
It tasted like mango pudding (in my opinion) and
the chocolate fondue tasted normal.
The amount of chocolate they served, is just nice for you to dip the
2 strawberry, 2 bread, 2 marshmallow and 2 banana.
Guess the brand of the 'holder' for the melted chocolate!!

Cost per person after adding Service Charge & GST
Appox. SGD$23.30

We went during lunch time and for the price we pay and the number of course, I feel that it is quite worth it. From the moment we enter, we can feel the friendliness from the service staff especially Gregory - he is the poster boy for Tao's Restaurant advertisement! The service staff just strikes conversation and being a first timer there, I really appreciate the way they recommend which food item I should choose.

It makes a good venue for gathering as you chit chat with the food being served one after the other. They do have a private room, not sure if resevation is needed.

Verdict
Atmosphere: 3/5

Worth the $$: 3.5/5

Service Staff: 4/5

Food Presentation: 3.5/5

Food Quality: 3/5

Overall: 3.4/5

Essential Brew

Location: 269 Holland Ave (Holland Village)
Singapore 278990
Website: http://www.essentialbrew.com/
Date of visit: 06/03/2009
Time of visit: 20:00
No. of pax: 3

Thanks Mr Don for the advance Birthday Treat~~~

Current Promotion

Plateau Serenade at 15% off!

Here's the Terms and Conditions:
1) 15% discount is valid on 1 Plateau Serenade (U.P. $15.95)
with each main course, pasta or set lunch order
2) '$1 off dessert' for set lunch cannot be used in conjunction with this promo
3) Offer canont be combine with other discounts, promotions or dining vouchers
4) Essential Brew VIP cardholders enjoy an additional 5% discount on total bills
5) Subject to 10% Service Charge. No GST is charged

What we ordered
1) Earl Grey Ribeye Steak - $18.95
Couldn't comment on this cause I can't eat steak but my gf was pretty thoughtful to leave the potato wedges at the side for me...not bad wor the wedges...
side track, the french fries that they have is the thick one!!

2) Honey Mustard Chicken - $14.95
Had a piece of the chicken, and you can actually taste the sweetness from the honey~~
3) Jasmine Cod Fillet - $20.95
Oh i ate this...becareful when eating cause there's actually fish bone!! the rice has a weird taste which none of us can describe. It's not even like the brown colored rice with raisin.
4) Plateau Serenade - $13.55
This is the NICEST of all the dessert that we ordered!

The 'cake' is actually ice cream and it comes with corn flakes!!
5) Haz 'O' Choc - $5.95
Nothing special to mention
6) Oreo Cheesecake - $5.70
I love Oreo Cheese cake alot and tt's the reason why i ordered this for dessert
but I was disappointed. =(

Total spent after adding Service Charge & NO GST
SGD$88.05

This place was recommended by Mr Don Teo which
at first i thought was japanese restaurant. Almost went there for Vday!!
I was misleaded by the 'sitting on the floor' picture!!
haha silly me...

Anyway it is a casual family restaurant where you
get to choose to sit on level 1 or level 2.
We chose to dine on level 2, sitting on the floor with cushion.
The place is pretty cosy BUT not a good place to chit chat.
It is so echoeeee...

Don actually said that you need to make reservation
BUT when we reach there it was pretty empty, perhaps we are still early!
(they open till quite late)
They have this BIG room but only when you comes in 12 pax?
But i wonder how to talk...

Anyway when the food came, it was beautifully displayed but it was COLD.
Then after much thinking, we came out with this conclusion,
cause the food need to be transported from the kitchen on level 1 to level 2
so it gets cold along the way.
(Don frequent this place and hence he know how
they actually transport the food - mini lift!!)

When we were there, there were quite a number of students in uniform,
I guess for the price and the atmosphere it's pretty affordable
and a nice place to sit and relax.
I will recommend not to go in big groups.
4 will be the max.

In their webbie, there's actually this promotion whereby u sms
and get a 1-for-1 drinks. But till today (I sms last Thurs), i still get no SMS. =(

Verdict
Atmosphere: 3.5/5
Worth the $$: 3/5
Service Staff: 3/5
Food Presentation: 3.5/5
Food Quality: 2.5/5
Overall: 3.1/5

Wasabi Tei

Location: 14 Scotts Road
#05-70 Far East Plazza
Singapore 228213
(Take the glass lift facing DFS, take to level 5 and turn left)
Date of visit: 06/03/2009
Time of visit: About 12:00
No. of pax: 3

What we ordered
1) Codfish Claypot - $18.00
It is a miso soup base which explains the saltiness and the sweetness came from the fish.
You won't want to stop drinking.
This item can be shared between 2-3 people.

2) Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Set - $8.00
The chicken is CRISPY!! not soft!!
When i first bite the chicken, my eyes was glowing and I was telling them how nice it was.
Trying is believeing else you will be thinking I am mad just like my 2 friends!!

3) Oyakodon - $8.00
This is rice set with pieces of chicken, onions and top with eggs.
If you dislike onions just like my friend, don't bother asking them not to put it in.
The lady told us they actually pre mix everything.
When the set arrive, the egg was so beautifully presented that you don't want to mix it.

4) Salmon Sashimi - $8.00
There was 6 pieces which were generously cut. THICK.
We went on a Friday and perhaps that explain why it was so super fresh.
This was what I read from His Food Blog
'It so happened that we visited on a Friday – an insider source mentioned that most Japanese restaurants get their supplies of sashimi on a Tuesday, or a Friday – so now you know'

5) Chawamushi - $5.00
I love chawamushi and I alwasy thought Sushi Tei have the best.
But NO LONGER cause the chawamushi here are on par!!
MUST TRY when you visit them.

6) California Maki - $7.00
Juicy.Crunchy.Burst in your mouth.
This is how I will describe their California Maki.
Avocado was juicy, cucumber was crunchy and the roe will just burst in your mouth!

7) 3 seats in exchange for drinks - $6
OH YES,
you need to buy your seat at $2 each which you can choose
to exchange for soft drinks or hot green tea.
The hot green tea is refillable.

(Kindly correct me if any of the prices are wrong. Thanks.)

Total Spent (No GST No Service Charge)
$60

When I was told by my friend about this place few weeks back and after reading some articles about this small little restaurant, I was determined to give it a try.
She was telling me how attitude the couple can be,
the way the food was served and how delicious the sashimi was!

I was amazed at where it was located and the space area.
It was away from the main human traffic and the maximum amount of pax they can have is 16!!
Everyone is seated in a U-shape manner and it's like normal reaction - you just won't want to chit chat after you grab yourself a seat. Cause eyes will be staring at you! >.<

Attitude? YES!
This place is own by a couple.
The husband is the chef and the wife is the one cleaning the plates and taking orders.
Both of them have the black face which you won't want to offend them.
That explain why the lack of photos as I don't wish to be chased out of the shop!
When we were there, someone actually place his/her handphone on the table and was told off by the chef!
CAN YOU IMAGINE THAT?

To a certain extent, the food was prepared infront of you.
Looking at the way how he prepares, it makes me wonder why they got an 'A'.
Perhaps that was only for area cleanliness?
Cause coffeeshop usually get 'B'.
He prepared the food without wearing any gloves and guess how he present the wasabi?
Pinching using his fingers!

We were served with appetizer which is a hot one. It appears to me to be seaweed.
At the end of the meal, watermelon was served.
The three of us left the place feeling satisfied despite our bowls being 'thrown' to us.
It was pretty tough for me to stand their attitude BUT
when the food was served to you, you will just ignore the two serving you!

Orders?
Know what to order before you enter the place.
They have place a set of the menu outside the resaturant.
From other reviews, I understand that the wife does not like those who can't decide on what they want.
NEVER think of re-ordering, either you get rejected because they are busy else you will be charged 20% on your overall bill!!
Come again next time, I suggest.

Be early?
Else you might be queing with a hungry stomache.
We were pretty lucky to get our seats else I guess we will be queueing for half to an hour!!
That explain why they discourage re-ordering and you taking your own sweet time placing orders!

Beware?
Here's the opening times!
Mon to Fri - 12pm to 3pm, 5.30pm to 9.30pm
Sat - 12pm to 9.30pm

Verdict
Atmosphere: 3.5/5
Worth the $$: 5/5
Service Staff: 2/5
Food Presentation: 4/5
Food Quality: 4.5/5
Overall: 3.8/5

Credit to
His Food Blog
http://www.hisfoodblog.com/2007/12/fiery-like-wasabi.html

P.Osh

Location: 11 Orchard Road
Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station
#B1-40
(Dhoby Ghaut Exchange)
Website: http://www.eposh.net/
Date of visit: 26/02/2009

Price Range
Per Piece $2.60-$4
Brownie in box of 5 $12 (cannot really remember)
Mini Brownie in box of 10 $20

IT IS A MUST TRY!!
Yes, it is expensive but they are really nice.
These little 'monsters' are chocolaty that you won't want to stop eating them.
If you know me, I am not a sweet tooth but these brownies are really attractive and delicious.
They can be so colorful that they keep tempting you,
just like how kids are attracted to bright colors.

Personally I like their Trip Earle C and Marsh E. Mellow.
I have bought it twice and they have yet to disappoint me. Love it!!

The decoration are done on the spot when you order them.
The service staff are mainly aunties but they are very friendly and patient.
I was trying very hard to decide what flavours to get for my boxes.
All of the brownies look so beautiful that you just want to grab them ALL.

They even provide free sampling of the brownie.

Verdict
Atmosphere: NA

Worth the $$: 4.5/5

Service Staff: 4/5

Food Presentation: 4.5/5

Food Quality: 4/5

Overall: 4.25/5

Kuishin-Bo

Location: 3 Temasek Boulevard
Suntec City Tower 1
#03-002
Singapore 038983
(Near Toys "R" Us)
Website: http://res.com.sg/restaurants_view.php?v=8
Date of visit: 23/02/2009
Time of visit: 19:30
No. of pax: 5

Current Promotion

They are currently having some promotions on different days.

We went on a Monday and therefore it was $130 + $35.90 (for the fifth person).

Here's the Terms and Conditions:
1) Limited period only
2) Not applicable with other promotions
3) Promotion may change without prior notice
4) Not valid on the eve of and on public holidays

Cost per person after adding Service Charge & GST
Appox. SGD$40

The food is not as fantastic as I expected.
Kuishin-Bo is a family restaurants but I felt that the price is too steep.
Lucky it was a treat from company, else I doubt I will visit them.
They are pretty popular for their long leg snow crab.

They have this special time slot like every half an hour interval.
When I was there that day, the special was Bamboo Clam and Honeydew Sorbet
(the one in the honeydew cup in the above picture).
They will play a song '1,2,3 Kuishin-Bo ... ...'
and that is when you will see people flocking to the counter to queue.
Only the first 30 people are entitled to the special!

The paper steamboat and octopus are nice.

Verdict
Atmosphere: 3/5

Worth the $$: 2.5/5

Service Staff: 3/5

Food Presentation: 3/5

Food Quality: 3/5

Overall: 2.9/5

Hard Rock Cafe

Location: 50 Cuscaden Road #05-01
HPL House Singapore 249724
Website: http://www.hardrock.com.sg/locations/cafes3/cafe.aspx?LocationID=81&MIBEnumID=3
Date of visit: 14/02/2009
Time of visit: 19:00
No. of pax: 2

Complimentary Oyster Shooter

The glass in red above containes:

Tabasco, Lemon or Lime Juice, Liquor, Vodka and Oyster.

You can taste the Tabasco more then anything else!!

AND I seriously don't understand how people can swallow the oyster.

What we ordered
1) Famous Fajitas (Grilled Chicken) - $26.00

2) Grilled Salmon Fillet - $25.00

3) Lemon Drop - $12.50

4) Raz Rita - $14.50

5) Oyster Shooter - Complimentary

Total spent after adding Service Charge & GST
SGD$91.80

Sorry for the lack of photos cos the place was very very dark.

The only edible item that I manage to snap is the Oyster Shooter - which I seriously don't like.

I saw many others who did not finish it but there were exceptionally a minority of them who went for second round!!

I guess it was due to Valentine's Day whereby they would like to maxmise the turn over rate of the table.

Table to table were like 10-15cm apart!!

The atmosphere there was pretty suitable for gathering where you can enjoy dinner, chill with a glass of wine and enjoy the live band.

It wasn't that appropriate for a romantic night due to the 'cozyness' apart from the candlelight.

I would like to visit Hard Rock Cafe again on a gathering purpose.

Verdict
Atmosphere: 3.5/5

Worth the $$: 3.5/5

Service Staff: 3.5/5

Food Presentation: 3.5/5

Food Quality: 3/5

Overall: 3.4/5