Vietnamese: 233 Quan An Vietnam

So we continued with our journey to explore Joo Chiat in our quest to find out which is the best Vietnamese eatery in Singapore some weekends back. The rave was of course Long Phung (read it here), which we both love, but we do have some issues with the sweetness of the broth (as do many). We decided to check out 233 Quan An Vietnam that is a couple of blocks away.

My standard drink at any Vietnamese eatery- Ca Phe Sua Da ($2.30), Vietnamese Drip Coffee with Milk. Granted that it's not the most pretty or high quality beans but it gives me the high from the strong dark coffee that's kinda over-roasted and the sweetness from the condensed milk that also masks the bitterness. This was quite satisfying. 

You can order individual portions of the Goi Cuon ($1.20ea), fresh spring rolls. Instead of the typical dark sweet sauce with peanuts, we got the cut chili version with vinegar. This was quite refreshing and provided a fiery kick instead of the regular sweetness. The quality of the rolls are of the expected standards that we exact of Viet eateries that claim to be authentic.

Both of us had the Pho Bo with beef balls and probably brisket ($6.50). Though the soup is a little more savory than Long Phung's, i find that the broth lacks in flavors. The meat was also on the tougher side, especially for the brisket. Balls were good though. 

Perhaps i've been spoilt by Long Phung and other Viet restaurants but i'm too used to freshly cut chili padi and the whole she bang of special sauces that they typically provide. Needless to say i was quite disappointed with the 2 bottled sauces that sat sadly on the tabletop. The innocent looking chili sauce was surprisingly spicy but it certainly pales in comparison to fresh ones. 

The crowd started packing in at lunch, with quite a couple of Vietnamese. Perhaps the other dishes aren't too bad but it's not gonna be my top choice for Pho Bo. 

233 Quan An Vietnam
233 Joo Chiat Road
Tel: 63481208
Daily: 11am - 2am

Viet-Jap Bistro: Kilo at PACT

Tucked away in a hidden corner in the quiet Orchard Central mall is Kilo at PACT, a bistro-restaurant that serves Japanese-Vietnamese bites that would appeal to the healthy palate. Other than eating in the raw concrete space, take the time to experience the full retail and hair/beauty services with K.I.N and PACT +LIM. A one stop shop for a day of chilling out in town in style and peace.

Let's start off with what i like. The Japanese food here is pretty decent. Don't go there expecting a full range of Japanese meals, there are only a couple of donburi, rice bowls and sushi rolls. Ladies would love it here because of the clean tasting ingredients, mostly raw-ish. The portions are also friendlier to the waistline though i can never finish more than half a sushiro. The dishes aren't traditionally Japanese but quality Japanese ingredients are used. 

The Beef Short Ribs Bowl ($18) is one of my favorites. Think juicy and tender grilled beef short ribs on top of a myriad of colored raw veg like sweet corn, radish, sugar peas and wasabi sprouts. Every bite is fresh and refreshing and even if you don't like carbs, i bet you'd finish the nice sticky Japanese rice. The overall taste is very light, nothing like the typical beef bowl that is drenched in gravy.

I also love the Sushiros and my choice would be the Salmon Avocado Sushiro ($15). Chunky fresh buttery salmon wrapped with a generous serving of creamy avocado, Japanese cucumber and shredded carrot, prawns and Tamago. The Niigata rice that the roll is crafted from is also of the right acidity and also i love the additional crunch from the side of soy flax seed chips that is served with the huge roll. Healthy alternative to chips that satisfy the junk food craving!

  

From the Vietnamese section, the items that i've tried failed to impress. Then again, i haven't tried enough to make a concrete conclusion. The Beef Pho ($16) tasted like it came out of an instant packet though. The noodles were rather hard and did not have the fresh pho texture and i found the soup overly salty and laden with MSG. Quite a pity considering that the tenderloin slices and homemade ginger beef balls were rather tasty. 

The Viet Drip coffee ($4.50 cold) was diluted and weak, totally unlike those that i get in Vietnam or at the eateries in Joo Chiat. I would definitely recommend Long Phung (read it here) for authentic and cheap Vietnamese food instead. Maybe i would give the Banh Mi here a try, but i highly doubt it would blow my mind. 

Would i visit Kilo at PACT again? Probably. I do like the ambience and the Japanese meals are quite perfect pre/post yoga. Give it a try if you're in town.

Kilo at Pact
181 Orchard Road
#02-16/17/18/19 Orchard Central
Tel: 68847560
Tue - Sun: 11am - 10pm

Croatia Travel: Split

Split is Croatia's 2nd largest city and also the largest coastal city in the Dalmatian Coast facing the Adriatic Sea. We dropped by for 2 nights while journeying along the coast (read about it here).

See

The most famous sight would be the Diocletian's Palace, a retirement home for the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the Middle Ages. Since then, it has been transformed into a museum/entertainment hub/bars and pubs catering to the 3000odd living within the compound, as well as the rest of the 166k people in Split.

Spend a little time wandering around the palace. We explored the underground museum but it was nothing very impressive, just big empty cavernous stone walled spaces that are damp and cool. Within the boundaries, there are shops that sell knick knacks, souvenirs, jewelry and the sorts. They are really better known for their pub crawls that cater to the many hostels located within.

Or hang out at the Dioklecijanova (Cardo Maximus). When night falls, you can sit on the cushions at the steps, get a drink and chill out to live music. I believe there is some exotic Egyption themed restaurant nearby as well. 

Take a side trip to the many different islands around the area where you can enjoy the beaches privately and intimately ;) The more popular ones are Hvar and Brac. We took a ferry to Stari Grad and from there a bus to Hvar.

There's nothing much at the city area so off we hopped onto the little charter to brought us to the beaches. 

1st stop Jerolim. Love the clear blue seas which are pretty cold even in June. Baked for a while with the naturalists and then to Stipanska next.

Stipanska has a built up area which is occupied by a beach bar. You don't have to patronise them. We were terribly ripped off because we didn't know of an extra charge to lie on the day beds (even if u get a drink) :/ 

Sleep

Our accommodation at Split Inn Apartments was very confortable. The centrally located office was easy to find and the person in charge led us to our apartment (on foot) which is only a couple of minutes away from the Diocletian Palace. 

Love the loft style apartment which is more than big enough for the 2 of us. It could probably accommodate another person on the couch. We paid about 70 Euros a night. The stone walls in our apartment prevented us from getting much of a signal but the wi-fi strength was quite strong on the first floor patio. 

Eat

My last meal would have to come from Villa Spiza in Split. This is undoubtedly the best meal in my life (so far) and we chanced upon it after S heard some guide mentioning it on the streets. There isn't a menu here. The chef simply goes to the market and picks out whatever that is available and fresh. 

The set up is essentially a home kitchen with 1 cook who is also the boss. We perch ourselved on the wooden bar chairs and waited eagerly for the food to be prepared. Menu for the night, shrimps, steak and squid ink risotto. Quite our standard fare in Croatia but we didn't know the surprise that lies in store.

The simply done shrimps in garlic, parsley, butter and perhaps some white wine. So much joy just eating with my fingers and sucking the luscious roe from the heads. Da yums. 

Lovely steak with a creamy beans and mushroom side. You cannot miss the squid ink risotto that is so flavorful and full of squid freshness. 

I was standing on the bottom rung of the stool and he's still bigger than me! The food was so good we finished every single morsel as you can tell. MUST TRY THIS!

Villa Spiza- Kružičeva 3, Split, Croatia

Konoba Marjan was recommended by the manager at Split Inn Apartments. Apparently you need a reservation to get a table here. We went early and were lucky to get a table much later. 

Perhaps our taste buds have been spoilt by Villa Spiza the previous night, the food was kinda bland and not that tasty in comparison. It's regular but just not WOW? I was slapping myself for not going back to Villa Spiza. 

There are a couple more interesting restaurants around the area we lived in. Do check out Sperun. We had brekkie at Sperun Deva which is just opposite. 

A quick meal before driving off to Dubrovnik. Roasted Tomatoes (only organic here).

Some Parma Ham, smoked salmon, omelette and anchovies (because S wanted to try). 

So yea.. this kinda concludes our Split visit. It's pretty but it's really quite a tourist spot i feel but i'm glad to have found that hidden gem in the Diocletian Palace. Even if you're not gonna stay for the night, you gotta at least have a meal at Villa Spiza. LOVE IT. 

Burger Den: Two Blur Guys

[Media Invite]

There is nothing blur about Two Blur Guys when it comes to their burgers. As much as the dudes insist that they know nothing about F&B, there is something really solid about what they have going on at their 24 seater hole-in-the-wall burger den (as they call it). 

The decor kinda screams Manhattan to us, having just came back from NYC in Dec. An item on the menu also reminded us of a fantastic meal at a particular 'M' restaurant (you go figure which). 

We started with a strong and refreshing, unsweetened Homemade Iced Tea ($3.50). A little more ice would be appreciated on a heat wave day in Feb. 

I could easily let the pictures speak for themselves but I have to rave about how wonderfully juicy (not overly) and tender these freshly made US Top Side Prime Beef patties are. For $12.50, i don't know where else would i be able to get something as awesome as this. There is just the right amount of minced pickles and tomatoes to flavor the patty. Top it with the mayonnaise (truffle apparently but i couldn't taste that) and you have one perfect burger. 

Never ever underestimate the importance of a good burger bun because they are your supporting actors/actresses. A good bun should be able to hold the patties, as well as add texture and a nice buttery flavor to the overall meal experience and THIS is a good bun. TBG produces this wholemeal artisanal bun from their central bakery (they supply pastries and bread to major hotels like RWS) and this type is only available at TBG. 

It would have been the best burger if the patties are  chargrilled to give it the additional smokiness. The cheese could be a little more savory and creamy as these harden after a while (probably mozzarella). Anyhoo, it's definitely better than what i had at Omakase which was overly soggy (read it here). MEH. 

Pulled Pork Burger ($11.50) is what reminded us of M in terms of texture. The flavor comes close with the sweet Asian spices but feels more American with the sauce. 

All burgers are served with a side of garden greens topped with a sweet balsamic dressing and a rich potato salad. I swear there is more to their potato salad than just pepper and salt but I couldn't get an answer out of the act blur dudes. Could it be some fish stock, bonito maybe.. You try and figure it out.    

It's hard to get me to finish a burger on my own but it wasn't an issue this time because they were too delicious. I even took up the offer of another burger. The Chicken burger is actually a Curry one. It is strong on the Indian spices and sesame oil but it's not spicy. Would like a little more salt or spice in this one. 

Make it a set meal for $5.50 to get a dessert and a hot coffee/tea. It's absolutely great value for money with full service. TBG doesn't claim to be the best burger in Singapore but it's a better burger than most IMHO.

Would love to try their scones and pies. Heard the lamingtons are very good as well. Drop by in the afternoon for their tea sets from 3-6pm (mon-sat) for only $6.

Oh and if you really love their burgers but want a grill out in your home, TBG also does raw burger kits for you to impress your guests. Prices are the same as the regular burgers and comes with sides too. I should be doing that soon. ;)

For being so unpretentious and awesum, i'm favoriting this. NOMS.

Two Blur Guys
Orchid Hotel, 1 Tras Link #01-13
Tel: +65 6636 4183
Mon-Sat: 11am - 9.30pm

Japanese Hot Pot: Danro

[Media Invite]

Nothing says reunion dinner better than a Steamboat gathering with family and friends. It's quite symbolic i feel, with the various ingredients contributing to a pot of delicious broth to be shared among all your loved ones; just like how we contribute to every relationship we are in. Anyhoo, here's one more place to have a steamy Hot Pot session and it is Danro Japanese Hot Pot, the 1st Japanese Hot Pot buffet restaurant in Singapore.

Located at NEX at Serangoon Central, Danro serves specialty hot pots from different prefecture in Japan. There are 8 traditionally soup bases specific to various regions in Japan, all painstakingly created and prepared by Executive Chef Sonoda-san. 

You'll get to choose 2 flavors for your communal pot. I would highly recommend the Wafu Broth, a light miso taste to help you better savor the flavors of the ingredients. Nara's Chicken and Milk Broth, as well as the Tokyo's Tonkotsu Broth are also very popular with the diners, both providing a rich and milky base from the boiling of the bones for hours. Spice lovers would love the Chicken Spicy broth which has enough kick, but not enough to kill like the Chinese Ma La hot pot.  

A selection of cold Japanese appetizers are available. I very much enjoyed the cold soba, as well as the special Onsen eggs in light soy. They were the most appetizing and refreshing dishes that acted like palate cleansers after all that meat in the steamboat. 

The sushi selection is not huge but they are made fresh and all lovingly prepared by hand in the kitchen.  The rice is of the right stickiness and are well seasoned with vinegar. 

On to the meat section. Here you get your Japanese sliced shabu shabu beef, sliced shabu shabu pork, shoyu marinated pork ribs, shoyu marinated diced chicken. While the meat is not of the highest marbling, it'll have to do considering the low prices you'll be paying. I'm just a little concerned about the yellow fats as i'm used to the marble white sort. But i was reassured by the CEO Ms Lena that it's normal and the color varies. 

The seafood section includes salmon & hamachi kama, crab surimi, fresh squid, fresh shrimps, white shell clams, Japanese fish cake & fish balls, fresh fish of the day. There's a selection of processed balls (special recipe by Danro) as well as assorted Japanese and local vegetables including lotus roots, Japanese leeks, white radish and mushrooms. 

Dip into the sourish Ponzu sauce (very good for the meats), shoyu, Sesame goma sauce, spicy togarashi sauce and beaten fresh eggs. DANRO has also specially prepared sambal chill sauce for local Singaporeans fans who have specifically requested for this house-favourite. They should really sell their sambal in bottles. It's fantastic. 

While waiting for your food to cook, you could also dig into the cooked food that is available. I went straight for the Oden because nothing is more comforting than biting into a broth soaked piece of radish. The little fishcake bears are also the kiddie's fav.

I have to say i was quite impressed with the standard of the cooked dishes. While there is nothing Japanese about them, they are quite well prepared local favorites. Kids would love the fried dumplings and nuggets. 

Danro's specialty is their Kiritanpo, an Akita tradition. These grilled rice skewers are fixtures at hot pots. Chef Kazunori Sonoda would first pound and mash freshly cooked Japanese rice, form cylinder sticks by hand, brush special sweet sauce and miso for flavour, and toast them on an open fire till the outer layer is slightly crisp. These rice sticks can be dipped into the hot pot soup, or enjoyed with one of DANRO’s specially made dips. 

Some accommodation to Singaporean taste has been made with additional seasoning added to the rice sticks. Remember not to dip them in the soup for too long because mine disintegrated. :( 

Cakes and fruits are available but i decided to play with the soft serve machine instead. The ice cream was really milky and sweet, a little on the icy side but it satisfied my need for a sweet ending to my meal. Remember to throw in some cornflakes and rainbow sprinkles.

For $16.90++ for weekday lunch and $24.90++ for weekend dinner (for adults), you'd be able to enjoy the steamboat with free flow drinks. Children and senior citizens enjoy a discount so bring along the whole fam! 

DANRO Japanese Hot Pot Buffet by MOF

Serangoon NEX #02-04/06

Tel: +65 6634 4608

Mon-Thurs, Sun & PH: 11.30am - 3.30pm; 5.30 - 10pm 

Fri-Sat & Eve PH: 11.30am - 3:30pm; 5.30pm - 10.30pm