Sushi Burrito Singapore

I feel like I'm on a roll for Japanese food reviews so here's my take on the recently opened Sushi Burrito:

Skip the sides. Go for the burrito. Try the Happy Hour Asahi promo.

That's about it....

I kid.

Photo of [a part of] the menu coming up!

Click to embiggen

Burritos sell for $10.90-$13.90 each with Grilled, Pan Fried, Sashimi, Vegetarian, and Signature Roll options. For the calorie nazis out there, you'll be glad to know that Sushi Burrito includes the calorie count in their menu (just for the burritos though). We ordered Rainbow Shrimp ($10.90) and Yummy Belly Set Meal ($12.90 for the burrito + $3.90 for drink and 1 light snack or dessert). Since the burritos are huge, the place serves it cut in half which makes it easier for the burrito to be shared with a friend.

Tokyo Ramen War: Ippudo vs Ichiran

When in Tokyo (or anywhere in Japan), eat ramen. And be sure to visit Ippudo and Ichiran if you have this thing for yummy Tonkotsu ramen.

Ippudo
106-0032 Tokyo, Minato-ku, Roppongi 4-9-11 second Odagiri Building 1F
Opening hours: 11:00am to 4:00 next day, Friday / 11:00 to 5:00, Sundays / 11:00 to 1:00 next

This was the first Ramen I've tried in Tokyo and it was sooooo good that we ate there twice. There are several Ippudo branches in Japan but we went to the Roponggi Hills branch. Twice. Ippudo's prices range from JPY 800 - 1,100 each ramen bowl while sides are about JPY 150-300. If you're a bit on the budget, check out their lunch specials for JPY 800 which includes rice, ramen, and 6pcs of gyoza.

I got the Special Shiromaru Ramen (JPY 1,050) while BB ordered the Special Akamaru Ramen (JPY 1,100). Mine was better fo sho!

Ippudo Japan Menu for your translation please

 Various condiments and sauces are available, unlike in Ippudo Singapore

Ginger, Bean Sprouts, and other stuff to eat before your ramen arrives...also available for free

Free flow tea for free. Rhyming sucks.

Special Shiromaru Ramen - Tonkotsu ramen topped with special chasu, bean sprouts, scallions, egg, kikurage (tree mushrooms), and wanton.

Jollibee Singapore lah! Check out the menu!

So...

Jollibee has landed in lah lah land! Today's is the day where Pinoys will feel like a Champ and bite onto their fried chickens with such pure joy. "Gravy" lang sa haba ng Q sa Lucky Plaza! :) But it's okay because now SG-based folks can get their fix of langhap-sarap yummy goodness.

So, how much will the food cost? This is the second question that popped into my mind, the first being "will there be gravy on my Chickenjoy?"

Thanks to the people of the interwebz, here's a digital copy of Jollibee Singapore menu, with price list and all!

Sorry to disappoint but there doesn't seem to be any palabok? I haven't been to Lucky Plaza yet so I may need to update this post. Anyway, as long as there's Chickenjoy and Spaghetti, I'll be a happy jabee girl.

What about you? What's your pick?

Arnold's Chicken: The Best Fried Chicken in Singapore

I've been busy these days since I moved to Singapore so I haven't been updating this blog a lot. Things are doing fine here but I definitely miss my family, friends, and mamao. :( Good thing there's Skype to keep me sane!

Anyway, I've been reading several blog posts about Arnold's Chicken. Well-known Singaporean bloggers attest that Arnold's Chicken serves the best fried chicken in the country that is why I've been meaning to try it since January. The nearest branch to my place is at City Plaza Geylang Road so we went there after our church service today.

City Plaza Mall

The five of us each got an order of Half Spring Chicken Set (SGD5.90) which comes with fries and coleslaw. If you're not the veggie person type, you could have your greens replaced with mashed potato instead. Beverage prices are between SGD1.90 (cola, teh tarik, coffee) to SGD2.70 (bottled mineral water, meh).

Arnold's Half Spring Chicken Set

After several minutes of waiting (the place was fully packed, by the way), we were served five platefuls of  fried chicken. WOW. It was HUGE compared to Max's Half Spring Chicken. Another interesting fact, no utensils were provided (except a spoon for the coleslaw and gravy) because apparently, Arnold's customers devour their yummy poultry with bare hands. Cute. Except for the fact that it's piping hot lololol. Taste wise, the chicken is very juicy with the right mix of salt and spice. It's almost like Jollibee Chickenjoy but crispier!

Arnold's Chicken has three branches at City Plaza, Hougang Green Shopping Mall, and Pasir Ris Town Park. Visit their website at www.arnoldsfriedchicken.com for branch information and home delivery.

Must Try: Bordeaux Premium French Wine Bar

Hey guys, I dined at Bordeaux Premium French Wine Bar and I enjoyed it.

*pause*

Okaaaaaaaaaaaaay. That doesn't sound/feel right coming from someone who finds happiness in drinking beer along Khao San's backpacker/transvestite filled street and Sampaloc's jeje/agaw-cellphone filled neighborhood. But yes, yours truly went to a place that has:

1. A name which you must google to find the correct pronunciation: \bȯr-ˈdō\
2. The word Premium
3. The word French
4. The word Wine. My body and wine don't mix well (read: heartburn)

See, I only frequent places with "Bar" on its name like this, this, this, and many more. My drinking preference makes it quite unusual for me to be seen in a French Wine Bar. It's something I'd rather skip as I'm more into a casual laid-back atmosphere. But with my recent experience, I guess it's justifiable to make Bordeaux an exception.

Bread and olive oil dip were given as complimentary appetizers. Funny, the bars I normally visit have appetizers that come in form of colorful kropecks or roasted highland legumes, i.e. mani.

The Grilled Lettuce and Beef Salad (Php320) is an unusual yet pleasant dish. Unlike salads where greens are served fresh and crispy, this one had the veggies grilled and there's tiny chunks of beef on top. Don't forget to dip 'em lettuce and cherry tomatoes in the honey mustard balsamic vinegar dressing!

Beef Burgundy

Gambas

Quick Delivery: Va Bene Pasta Deli

For the longest time, our office pantry had an interesting magnetic menu on the fridge. I find it quite nifty since the restaurants are classified into cuisines, i.e. Mexican, Italian, Japanese, Filipino, American, and Chinese. Even better was the sole number that one should call in order to have something delivered: 2121212. I haven't tried Quick Delivery until recently when my bestfriend Cha visited me at work.

hello interwebz, meet Cha

Okay. We really do TRY to stay away from carbs since we've been enrolled in dance/boxing classes for the past month. But we've got a really stressful week ahead and we deserve an excuse for a "free pass." Meh! I figured it would be a great choice to have Va Bene Pasta Deli (VB) Quick Delivered since the location is just near to our office. Also, I saw raves online about their freshly made pasta so it's reasonable to give it a try. After checking their online menu, I called around 6:15pm and placed an order for I Canneloni, Gnocchi, and Beef Lasagna. I was not put on hold (good) and the call lasted for just about 7 minutes (better--I don't like to telebabad). Delivery time would take about 50-60 minutes according to the 2121212 phone rep. Unfortunately, the kuya went to a different building so it took longer than usual (around 70 minutes?). He apologized profusely though (the rains were heavy too) so I let it pass.

VB

My order came in microwavable plastic containers—the ones that stores usually use for take-outs. But I was quite surprised that there were no QD stickers anywhere. Maybe they forgot to put it? Not really sure. But from a marketing perspective, I think it would be helpful to have stickers or even labeled plastic bags for deliveries.

Fresh from delivery, woot!

get ready for the battle!!!!

For appetizer, we had the Gnocci (Php280) which are potato dumplings in four cheese sauce. Funny, the smell reminded me of ginataang bilo-bilo. I like how the sauce compliments the softness of the potatoes. However, it's quite filling for a starter so you might want to go easy on this one.

Gnocchi

Pivo Restobar Home Depot

I had my first taste of alcohol at the age of 4. My mother, who was then having drinks with her friends inside our house, made me sip from her glass of beer in lieu of milk.

It's what mothers do.

Thanks ma, I love you.

WHEN. WHERE. MINE.

Beer. The Liquid Bread. Most people hate it because of its bitter taste. Fortunately, my friends and I are huge fans of this drink. A couple or so bottles paired with greasy munchies are things we look forward to after a long day at work. We're dudes with boobz, yo. For beer lovers like us, Pivo Restobar is HEAVEN. The place prides itself with 120+ premium beer brands from countries such as Belgium, Germany, Mexico, USA, England, France, and Spain, among others. Hard-core San Miguel fans need not worry as the place still offer local brews. But it won't hurt to try some foreign ones from time to time, right?

Nestled along the busy area of Home Depot Complex along Julia Vargas Pasig, Pivo is frequented by yuppies either celebrating a birthday/engagement/etc or chilling down after office hours. Entering the venue, you'll see al fresco dining tables which could seat 25 people and an elevated VIP area that could accommodate 20 guests. At night, the place is lit by a soft yellow light from several makeshift lamp posts in the room corners. A lone LCD television, placed at the center wall of the bar area, is almost always tuned in a cable sports channel. Crossover music and upbeat lounge plays in the background, allowing guests to engage in conversations over a cold bottle of beer.

I want those lamps in my room

I want this poster in my room

I want these in my room, also.

I like that beer menu of Pivo includes the country of origin and alcohol contents. I find it very informative and helpful for the customers, especially those who are very particular about their drinks. If you have questions about the menu, you could simply ask your server and he will provide you the information you need. Best-sellers include Hoegaarden, Grolsch, Chimay, Flying Dog, Rogue, and Ballast Point.

 L-R: Flying Dog in Heat Wheat Beer (Php175), Leffe Blonde (Php145), Chimay Blue (Php195)

L-R: Strongbow Cider (Php180), Maredsous Blonde (Php178), Pink Killer (Php145)

If you're used to having beers at P35-50 a bottle, a Php140 bottle could seem a tad overpriced. This is why I shy away from Pivo's pale ales as some of them would only taste similar to San Miguel Pale Pilsen / Premium. It's better to put my money on strong dark ales that will definitely give a kick! Case in point: Chimay Blue and Maredsous Blonde.

Big Sky Mind: Drinks, Food, Music

Anywhere with cheap beer/food and good crowd + music should be considered a great place. An example would be Big Sky Mind in Quezon City. It's been around for quite some time (1999, to be exact) so don't be surprised to see crowds in their mid-30s especially during weekdays. It's a place where you could relax with a cold bottle of beer after a long tiring day at work. Please, don't expect a fancy place, hotel-like restroom, or speedy service. Go to Encore or something.

Big Sky Mind: Since 1999

Going there early, say 7pm, would only disappoint you as you will be greeted by a CLOSED sign. The staff usually come in at around 8:30-9pm so it's safe to drop by at that time. It stays open until 5am, Tuesdays-Sundays.

Upon entering the 2-storey bar, you'll see several chairs, tables, bar stools, and fluffy couches. If you have sensitive skin, stay away from the couch else you'll end up with red spots all over your arms. Well, not really. But I hope you get the idea.

During music events, that couch is moved to make way for the band setup


2008: OBS

Bar area

Wall en route the restroom

the 2nd floor doubles as an art gallery

When the place is not packed, a staff will come up to you with a menu in hand. During gig nights and/or weekends, just go straight to the bar area and get your order directly from the bartender. Shouting could also be an option. Local beers cost around Php35 to Php50 a bottle which is really really cheap compared to Makati bars, even Cubao X. Non-beer drinkers, on the other hand, should not worry because Big Sky has an extensive reasonably-priced cocktail & shooters menu--including Absinthe. Yeah. The Green Fairy.

I want that 'Bartenders are Gods' shirt!!!

Beer and Hard Drinks Menu

Mixed Drinks Menu

Absinthe at Php230/shot

Flipping the other side of the laminated blue menu, you'll see a long list of different food offerings: appetizers, rice meals, burgers, omeletes, pizzas, plus other items rarely offered in a bar. Mixed fries (Php125) and Chicken fingers (Php125) are my favorites!

Mixed Fries + Pale Pilsen = My Ideal Value Meal

Cheese, BBQ, Sour Cream: Good for 3-4 people

Ristorante Bigoli says Grazie!

"Grazie!" exclaims a Ristorante Bigoli staff whenever a satisfied customer presses the smiley button.

Recently opened at The Annex SM City North Edsa, Ristorante Bigoli offers a variety of Italian dishes such as pasta, pizza, and gelatos.

Upon entering the restaurant, you will be welcomed with warm yellow lights and colorful wall design that give a homey feel to the place.

The manager, Alexis, guided us through the different dishes they had to offer. We started with the basics: Spaghetti Bolognese (Php80 / Php115), Fettuccine Carbonara (Php100 / Php140), and Spaghetti Al Pesto (Php90 / Php130). You may choose from Solo or Grande, depending on your appetite.

 

I love garlic breadsticks! It's nice that Bigoli offers FREE refills for every pasta order. :) However, I wasn't too impressed with these three pastas. It was too....basic. Also, I've been to several pasta restaurants such as Amici, TOSH, Italliani's, and Belinnis and I love that they have parmesan cheese and/or spiced olive oil to compliment their dishes. Too bad Bigoli didn't provide us with any. :( But, hey, they just opened so I believe there's still room for improvement!

We also tried two of their special pasta offerings: Meltique Beef Pasta Bigoli (Php125) and Lasagna (Php180)

 

According to Alexis, the Meltique Beef Pasta is their newest addition to the menu and has proved quite popular among their customers. The dish is made with handmade tube pasta (looks almost like Lomi to me) with red sauce and topped with tender beef slices. Bell peppers are also added to give a bit of spice to the creation.

Our very own Tapa King at Singapore

Pinoys at Singapore, rejoice! Tapa King, our favorite tapsilog place, just opened a franchise at Lau Pa Sat Festival Market, while another branch will be launched at Food Junction Century Square on March 15. Tapsilog*, lah!!!

 

the King has arrived!

 stall 92

  

tapa boxes

 

On the menu are:

Tapa King (SGD 6.50)- tender beef strips marinated in a savory sauce
Tapa Joe (SGD 6.50) - tender beef strips marinated in herbs and spices
Tapa Prince (SGD 6.50) - tender beef strips marinated in a special sweet sauce
Tapa Queen (SGD 6.50) - tender beef strips marinated in a spicy sweetish sauce
Spicy Tuyo Meal (SGD 5.00) - dried herring

All meals are served with fried egg, chopped tomatoes and garlic fried rice. Om nom nom!!! Will visit Singapore for the first time this August for Baybeats <3 and i'll definitely have a Tapa Queen lunch thurrr har-har.

Check them out at Stall 92, Lau Pa Sat Festival Market, 18 Raffles Quay and Food Junction, Century Square, Tampines (starting March 15).

Photo/Info credits: Tapa King Singapore Facebook Page <--add add add!!!

*Tapsilog is a common Filipino dish comprised of marinated beef strip (tapa), garlic fried rice (sinangag), and fried egg (itlog).

TAP-a + SInangag + itLOG = tapsilog.

Beat that, Einstein.

hi, i love you