Food Critic For a Day

Was pondering what to do on a hot Saturday afternoon (besides going back to office which I did ... sigh ... no life) and decided to play Food Critic for a day...hehehe ...

1st stop : Alexander Village (with Monkey)

We heard so much about the Avocado juice sold here so it was a must to find it. Surprisingly, there were several fruit stalls selling the famous drink so we decided to snoop around and spy on which stall others ordered from.

After milling around like pests, we decided to try our luck from Stall 17 ( as shown in the pic)

Verdict : The Avocado juice was smooth and fragrant as it slided down our throats. For those who likes something alcoholic, the Avocada whisky will be perfect. Slightly sweet with a generous serving of whisky (or at least it tasted like it!) .. all for the cost of $2 - $3 per cup(huge too).. a MUST TRY!

Next was Bak Kut Teh which Ms Monkey shared was her weekly treat with Daddy during her childhood...awww.. so sweet. We decided to try a new stall since it seems pretty crowded (yes, this is a Singaporean indicator right??hahaha)

Settled for Leon Kee Pork Ribs (next to Stall 17) and ordered the usual fare. Insisted on my you tiao cos I love dunking them in the soup.

Verdict : Soup is good if you like it herbal. Portion of you tiao is generous too. However, was disappointed with the all important black sauce which was watery (thick and sweet are the best man), cut chilli which lost its fire and the pork ribs which will yank the dentures out of my grannie !

We also tried the Beef Stew Fire Pot from Soon Lee Beef Soup .

Verdict : Good portion for 1 pax. Nice presentation and little stove kept stew nice and warm. Loved the carrots and the chilli sauce (complimented the beef perfectly) though the gravy is slightly salty. The beef must be eaten with the chilli sauce for best result.

Worth a try if you beef stew cooked in chinese style (Different from Hainanese or Western Stew)

2nd stop : Food Republic @ Vivo City (with Monkey & M Bao Bao)

For those who have not patronised this foodcourt, you will be pleasantly surprised at the ambience cos its not really very foodcourt like (typically clinical in look).I love the Shanghai Jazz they were playing and the cute wooden tables and stools for our meals.Brings you back to the good old 60s.

In any case, while waiting for our blur M Bao Bao, who took a bus that is went in the wrong direction (can you believe it!!), we gotten an appetizer that was on almost every table in the foodcourt. Unfortunately Monkey did not take note of the name of this dish but we heard its called Za Bao (fried pau).

This is actually mixed vege, mushroom & minced meat wrapped in a layer of dough like a pau, steamed and then pan fried.

Verdict: Tasted like bigger version of Guo Tie (dumpling), juicy filling but a tad too salty. The garlic & fish sauce makes a nice dip too. Worth a try but be warned its at $1.50 each. Kinda ex.

Was totally elated when I saw these cos I have been craving for Korean Nian Guo (Rice cake) since I am back. And Bibimbap in Shi Guo (stone pot) is just the best!

Verdict : Was grinning silly with joy cos it quite authentic (heard operated by Koreans too) with the spicy and a little sweet nian guo & fragrant bibimbap. For those who likes their kimchi to be slightly sweeter, you would would love it here.The ikan bilis is also good, tasted like they were marinated in honey just like the way koreans do it. There are also packs of Kimchi for sale.

A must try if you LOVE Korean Cruisine. Can't wait to try the Kimchi soup and beef bulgogi next.

Presenting Lei Cha (Hakka cruisine) & the Basil Omelette! The dish is a mix of rice, long beans, peanuts, carrot, ikan bilis,tauhu and most importantly basil. Accompanying it is a bowl of basil soup (one in green - known as the cha). 2 ways of eating, either 1 mouth of the mix & 1 slurp of cha or just mix them all & eat like porridge (ala teochew style)

Verdict: Interesting try though acquired taste. One must love the smell and taste of basil. The basil omelette is too salty and can be skipped.

Traditional breakfast set from Toast Box.

Verdict : The eggs came out in perfect shape (you know how some can be too watery or over cooked but this is just right!) and the kaya toast is to die for. Love the thick slab of butter and sweet kaya which melts in your mouth. The Teh si is great and M Bao Bao totally adores the iced Kopi Si too. A worthy competitor of Ya Kun definitely!

Now this is was a result of a mis- judegment so we ended up with lots more food but what the heck, the Food Critic wannabe is HAPPY !more to write on ....hahahaha ..

Verdict : Popiah is heavenly with the right crunch and perfect combi of sweet sauce,garlic, turnip, vege etc etc etc. Just loved the handmade popiah skin too.. very Gan Dong (touching)...hehehe

BBQ chix wing is ok and so could prob give it a miss unless you have a craving.

Now, Kudos to my two buddies who were so kind to humor me in my attempt to be a Food Critic for a day. By the way, they insisted that I have it down that credits must be given to them for eating most of the food. Hahaha ... so now who would like to join me on my next MAKAN trail ???