Ramen Kagetsu Arashi (Tampines 1)

*Updated..*
Kagetsu Arashi is no more. & in its place, "Chaboten" has opened. It was pure coincidence for me to be at the mall this evening, when they had their opening act of taiko. (? not sure about this, but it was basically some form of Japanese drum performance)
*.. as of 01 Oct 2014*

Here's finally getting around to visit the new kid on the block, Ramen Kagetsu Arashi at Tampines 1. Not exactly the "new kid" though, cause it's been about a year since they opened their Tampines outlet. For quite a while, there were long Qs during meal times, especially on weekends. But I managed to get there before the dinner crowd came in, so all is well..

Till you meet the impatient waitress who quite frankly speaking, didn't seem to feel like working. Everyone's bound to have one of those days. I just happen to meet someone who was having one. *shrug*

Service hiccups aside, here's my order of (miso base broth) Arashi Toripaitan Ramen with an additional egg and meat. Now, on the menu they show half an egg and a few slices of char siew. Visually, it looks just about right. But wait, didn't the additional $2.50 for egg and meat show two halves of egg and two slices of meat? Hmm.. that means they just charged me $2.50 for half an egg and one small but thick slice of meat. HMM..!

But okay la~ The broth was really nice and the ramen noodles.. not bad leh~

Arashi Toripaitan Ramen - $13.40++
with additional egg and meat for $2.50

Then comes the almighty Golden Miso Ramen, additional side of wakame, and "meat" gyoza, First off, why the "meat" gyoza? Well that's cause when I asked what's in the gyoza, "meat" was all I got for an answer. Repeatedly too. Haha. Eitherway, there was hardly any bite in them to even satisfy at all.
Moving on to the ramen and its glorious golden-ness. Everything else a part from the broth, was the same as my first ramen order. Yes, even the ahhh-mazingly tender (but sooo very thin) slices of char siew was the same. The broth.. hmm.. the broth.. words just can't describe. It's not horrible, but it felt like something was missing. It was as though the broth was incomplete or.. lacking its punch/slap/kick. *sigh*

Gyoza (top left) - $5++
Golden Miso Ramen (bottom left) - $12.90++
with additional wakame (right) for $2

If you ever crave for matcha ice cream after your ramen, I suggest placing the order at the beginning and have them serve after your meal. Cause if you (like what I did) order at the last minute after you've finished your meal, a frozen block is what you'll get. I probably could have carved something out of it. *laughs*

Matcha Ice Cream - $3++

Actually, if you're craving for matcha ice cream, just finish your meal and go somewhere else like Häagen Dazs, maybe? Then again, if you don't like sweet/creamy desserts, go ahead and get it. There's even that bitter matcha aftertaste too, if you like it.

In the end, this restaurant turned out to be a fine example of a Japanese expression my teacher once taught me. It was something along the lines of "one time customer". I'm not too sure on the actual Japanese expression, but it might be ”一期一会” (ichi go ichi e). Expression or not, you won't be seeing me there again! (>,<")


Once in a lifetime..

The Sunday Market at The Factory

It was a glorious Sunday with extremely timely yet random passing showers. The sun shining in all it's friggin' hot glory, and the passing clouds choosing to play tickle-you-rain-on-me games whenever I'm about to head somewhere else. Nothing could faze me on this wonderful day. I was finally going to have myself a hearty meal at The Factory!

The Factory had popped up a lot on my Facebook newsfeed, and it was high time I tried their artisan fries and ice cream. However, there was no high time. It was a low time with me wandering around Lim Tua Tow Road looking for "The Factory" signboard to no avail. Checking up the address once more, the "22" in "22 Lim Tua Tow Road" was a clue. A clue that led me where I did not expect to wind up; The Sunday Market.

The Sunday Market had a rather small selection for mains and nothing that piqued my interest. I went looking for The Factory for their artisan fries, and ice cream. If dessert's what I came for, I might as well try their waffles while my friend sipped on a decent cuppa cappuccino (or cappucino as they spelled it).

Cappuccino - $5++

If you like crisp waffles, I believe The Sunday Market will meet your expectations (provided you pair it with a sensible ice cream flavor and sauce). Me? I ordered waffles and ice cream. But I had ice cream, and waffles with chocolate sauce. Because kyoho grape does not go with waffles and chocolate sauce. Especially when it tasted a little like grape flavored shaved ice of sorts. But what can I say.. the last time I had grape flavored ice cream / sorbet was at Pasarbella's Seventh Heaven. I had to give it a go.

Ice cream (kyoho grape) waffles - usual price $6++ (Aug promo $4.90++)

I may not specially revisit them, but I would stop by and give the ice creams another shot. Just looking at their selection of flavors makes me drool! There's bound to be a really nice flavor that I'll love.

To anyone who chanced upon this post, looking for The Factory because of some ice cream guide recommendations, I hate to break the news to you but there isn't any "Factory" left. If you check The Factory's Facebook page back to March 2014, you'll see that their last day of operations was on 13 March 2014, Thursday. Somehow, their website is still there with "22 Lim Tua Tow Road" as the address. Even Google Maps shows "The Factory" at that address. So don't fret when you can't find the place. The Sunday Market's still there to welcome you. ~(^-^~)

The screenshot's purely for your benefit. haha.



goodbye and welcome

Pit Stop Lunch at Lots Gourmet

I have an undeniably great urge to declare my love; my love for the wedges served at Lots Gourmet.
Okay, maybe not that big of an urge, and I don't really love them to the end of the world and back. Their wedges are decent, but I like 'em. heh~

J & I went to Lots Gourmet for a quick lunch. I've had their chicken wrap for takeaway previously (didn't blog about that, but boy was it filling!), so I wanted to try dining in for their $15+ lunch deals.

The lunch deal included homemade ice lemon tea with syrup on the side

One would think napoli/nepolitan sauce wouldn't be spicy. Well, I'm not sorry but it's not quite like that at Lots. IMO, this is a dish that even people with low tolerance for spicy foods can try. I don't eat much spicy food and yet I could enjoy this meal without inhaling the iced tea. (^-^;) The baked chicken was nicely done, though I can't say the same for the sausages (a tad dry and on the hard side, like it was over done).

Baked Portuguese Chicken - napoli sauce, mozzarella w/butter rice & salad

Jer had the mushroom burger because I had to have wedges. *grins* Look at that bed of wedges~!

Portobello [Vegetarian] - brie, avocado, sundried tomato, lettuce on Turkish Pide/ wedges 

And check out the fat portobellos! I didn't eat the burger, but I did sneak a piece of portobello for tasting. Boy! was it good. Jer was pretty much satisfied with his burger and generous side salads.

For the price of $15+ (10% service charge), it was a satisfying lunch. The portions may look but don't let the photos deceive you, they don't look that small and they fill you up all the way! On average, Lots Gourmet is a little pricier than Lola's Cafe. However, if you compare Lots to cafes in the vicinity like Barks Cafe or Coastal Settlement, Lots Gourmet don't seem that all expensive anymore. *shrug* Guess it'll boil down to where you live? haha.

using our time efficiently while waiting for our mains.. hehe

Refueled and ready to go! Vrooom~

the more we get to-gather..

Tea in a Pot (Gryphon) - $4.50

I am grateful for the awesome company of my dear friend, and for the lovely food at the to-gather cafe. Although eating was a bit of a chore due to some dental "project", it was a night well spent. Like most girls our age (I think), we talked about possible futures, current work/studies, good old days, shared good reads and the like.

Grilled Chicken Chop - $8.90

Seafood Aglio Olio - $8.90

Earl Grey Mousse Cake - don't remember the price.. haha

Chocolate Lava w/ Vanilla Gelato - $5.90

In a cozy cafe with beautiful quotes painted on grey walls, the mood is really set right there for getting to-gather. Haha



.. the happier we'll be

Copacabana (At Lola's Cafe)

Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl
With crispy wings, truffle fries and a full monty's breakfast
She would merengue and make an earl grey tart
And while she tried to be a dear
Tony always did the cooking
Across the crowded floor, they worked from 11am till 11:30pm (sometimes 12am)
The food was good and there was desserts
Who could ask for more?

Espresso - $3

It was a wonderful al fresco lunch at Lola's Cafe last Saturday. The food was awesome and the staff was super friendly and helpful. Reservations are not available on weekends so a Q is to be expected, especially if you get there past noon.
& if you don't already know, here's a tip for first timers - there's no need to physically stand in line because at Lola's Cafe, they're pretty hi-tech! I didn't get a photo of it but they have a tablet for you to leave your particulars (your name & contact number) in the cafe. Thereafter, you're free to wander off - not too far though, cause you need to get back in time when they drop you a text / call about your table. (-^o^-)

Onward to the glorious food, Lola's Full Monty Breakfast! They have their much raved about Avocado Eggs Benedict at the same price, but that would be for another week, when I forget to make my avocado egg sandwich.

Lola's Full Monty Breakfast - 

A thick half slice of soft and fluffy bread with crisp vegetables, scrambled eggs, and juicy meats. Just look at that presentation. Mouth watering, really. I'm not sure if they always put the dressing on the side, but I requested it upon ordering. I've always been wary of dressings served at cafes and restaurants. Cause sometimes, it just takes a simple dressing to ruin the rest of the meal. I'm not a fan of most salad dressings, so don't take my words to heart. (｡´∀｀)ﾉ

Sides to accompany the wonderful main.. To be honest, I think the Honey Parika Crispy Wings out shone everything else on the table. It was perfectly crisp yet oh so tender with a mildly sweet taste. I would definitely go back, even if it's just for the wings. *squeal* That shiny glaze you see is the honey that makes the first bite extra sweet. If you're one for a little bit of sweetness, this would be perfect for you! *grins*

Honey Paprika Crispy Wings - $10

The Truffle Fries with a dash of herbs was decent. It was nothing spectacular for the price I had to pay. I would rather get another serving of crispy wings really. haha! Me and my chicken wings, oh dear me.. (^-^;)

Truffle Fries - $12

Dessert was a Banana Earl Grey Tart. Bananas and earl grey go together surprisingly well as the caramelized bananas complemented the earl grey pastry cream, topped off with a generous amount of pistachios. The tart shell was akin to a extra crisp sugar cookie which made it hard to eat with the dessert fork. I probably need to do some homework on how to eat a tart with a dessert fork. haha..

Banana Earl Grey Tart - $5

I really liked the texture and taste of the earl grey pastry cream too. Makes me want to make an earl grey tart on my own. I just need guinea p- *cough* never mind, moving on..

Brunch for two at Lola's Cafe cost us $45 nett. That's because they do not charge for service or GST. It's most likely that those charges are already factored into the prices shown on the menu. That would mean diners won't get a shock when total bill arrives, because we all know the amount of service charge (10%) and GST (7%) that's involved. （￣～￣）

Take note that they stop serving their breakfast items after 3pm and their dinner items are only available from 6pm onwards. It's not that they'll be closed between 3pm - 6pm, they'll just be serving everything else but the mains. It'll be a good time to head down if you're going just for their honey paprika crispy wings. *grins*
I can't wait for my next visit to Lola's Cafe. Their chicken wings have really got me hooked. It's only been a week and I'm already itching for them!



At Lola's Cafe.. they found great food

MOF's LENAS with the bros

because (everything else) our usual Popeye's was too far away and Din Tai Fung was closed.. haha.. okay, I was just in the mood for western. Grilled chicken mushroom and parma fries to be exact.

Grilled Chicken Mushroom + 2 sides (Wedges & Coleslaw) - $16++

That wasn't my usual order of sides. I usually get 1 side of parma fries which would cost $14++ instead. But we decided to try all their potato sides and get coleslaw for the vege ("healthy") part of the meal. Check out the parma fries, whipped potato (sauce on the side), baked potato, and wedges.

the bros
( ･⌣･)ヘ(＾▽＾)ﾉ(´ ｀ )

& the following food pictures were taken by their respective consumers.

Breaded Chicken Cheddar + 2 sides (Parma Fries & Coleslaw) - $16++

Grilled Chicken Cheddar + 2 sides (Baked Potato & Whipped Potato) - $16++

(I think the name of this dish is..) Curry Omurice with Hamburg - $16.90++

Doesn't matter what the name of the curry omurice is, cause I'll be avoiding the one with hamburg. It was rather.. dry, and not very tasty.. mmm.. and after all that potatoes, the best (IMO) is still parma fries! Although the wedges are pretty much the same, just in.. wedges.. , well they had a different texture. Especially the big and fat wedges, they had lots of *bite* left in them. The whipped potato was good, but so was the baked potato! Yums! (˘▽˘ )

All in all, it was the company that made the food so extra delicious. Gosh, how I've missed hanging out with my bros. It has been a really really long time since we gathered together, just the four of us, chilling and talking about anything and everything.



Ahh... memories.. (*´∀｀*)

Updates on Tampines 1's Ssikkek

I recently went past the Ssikkek Korean BBQ outlet at Tampines 1 and noticed a change in their price board (under their TV at the entrance).

If you have read my post on Ssikkek back in September 2013, you'll know that the prices at Ssikkek used to be $0.90 cheaper. What's more, they even have free drinks now! Although I'm not sure if it's the usual bottle of water per person or if they have changed it to free flow.

Not sure if I should or should not be glad that I dined there before the price increase. Haha.



Well, it's not that bad right?

Charlie Brown Café

Snoopy and Friends! I remember when McDonald's had hundreds of Snoopy figures for collecting. My dad would get them for me and when Macs' released up to 200+ designs (I think), it was too much. There was simply no space to put them on display, so they wound up in my aunt's display case. Eventually, I believe they were given away, one after the other. ~(´⌒｀~)

It was my love for Snoopy (and Woodstock) from my memories that drew me to the Charlie Brown Cafe. Walking by and seeing that sculpture of Snoopy always made me want to dine there. I don't have a good photo of it, so you just have to take a peek yourself when you're at 313@Somerset.

Putting my love for Snoopy aside, this is where I realized my foolishness. I have never thought the day would come when I would taste an all new level of "mushroom soup". What Charlie Brown Cafe served wasn't mushroom soup. At least it didn't taste that way to me or J. The soup tasted off & nothing like mushrooms. It was like hot water but with a truly foul aftertaste. I was shocked at my first spoonful. Took a second spoonful, hoping my tongue was wrong (ha! It only made me queasy). A third spoonful simply in disbelieve that something like this can be served as mushroom soup!

There was a lunch set menu that I didn't see on their website, but it includes a drink and the above mentioned "mushroom soup". I don't recall the actual name or the price, but I know this was called Teriyaki Chicken (with mushroom sauce I think). Not that the name matters, because this dish was super salty! It was disappointing because it tasted as though teriyaki sauce was mixed with soy sauce and promptly dumped with some canned button mushrooms all over a slightly charred piece of chicken. The skin of the chicken was bitter but the meat inside was nicely done, as though they cooked up this dish in a hurry. But there wasn't any other customers apart from J and I. *sigh*

Teriyaki Chicken - don't remember the price..

J had their really spicy Spaghetti Aglio Olio. I didn't taste it because J's lips were burning up from the spiciness. I don't take chili, so when someone who does take chili says the dish is spicy, I steer clear of it! J said the dish was alright, nothing special. ╮(´～｀)╭

Spaghetti Aglio Olio - $9.80

The conclusion at the end of the meal, was to never be taken in simply by the name of the eatery. Even powdered mushroom soup is several times better than what they served. This place is one that's best when you just snap pictures of it and walk away. Even though I've heard good reviews about their pancakes, I have also heard of their drop in food standards.
To eat or not to eat, it'll be your own gamble and risk to take.



Goodness gracious me!

Poulèt, Amazing French Roast Chicken.

Weekday lunch at Poulèt (Vivocity). It was a wonderful treat for three, and I had read so many rave reviews about their food. That was probably why I was really excited to finally be dining at poulèt (my expectations were sky high too). Before I even stepped into the restaurant, I already knew what I had to order.

I'm like Super Mario, I'd jump / chase down my mushrooms. Pardon the bad analogy, it was the only one I could think of.. haha. Simply put, I love mushrooms. That includes mushroom soup. (＾◇＾)っ♨

& Poulèt offers something like that - Country Side Mushroom Soup. The croutons were good (hard to go wrong with that now..) but the soup was runny with a strong cream aftertaste. It's not terrible, yet not quite what I had expected (after all the rave reviews). (╯︵╰,)
Just look at how the soup barely clings to the side of the bowl. *sigh*

Country Side Mushroom Soup - $5.80++

We had the French Onion Soup as well, but it didn't call out to me either. It was better than the Mushroom Soup's cream aftertaste though if that means anything. *shrug*

Salad de Paris however, was absolutely delightful. The portion might look small, but it's perfect with a main dish. There's a good amount of black olives and dried cranberries in there too! I would totally skip the soups and head straight for their Salad de Paris next time.

French Onion Soup - $5.80++
Salad de Paris - $ 9.80++
Chopped Garden Salad, Dried Cranberry, Tomato, Avocado, Black Olive and Roasted Pine Nut served with French Dressing

And here comes the dish I was eyeing all along, the Sautè Wild Mushroom. It comes with a poached egg seated among the wonderfully sautèed mushrooms. It's amazing, and if you like garlic, it'll be perfect. I'm not a fan of garlic, if I can avoid, I will avoid it. Yet, my love for mushrooms and the sweet aroma of this dish was too much to resist. The mushrooms were flavorful but there was always a strong garlic aftertaste. I'll try asking for less garlic next time.

Sautè Wild Mushroom - $7.80++

Not forgetting the well raved main dish of Poulèt, I believe their motto is "Amazing French Roast Chicken". And I also believe that roast chicken, be it half or whole, is actually hot or at least a little warm.

Poulèt ala Orange $17.80++ (Half) / $30.80++ (Whole)

We shared half a poulèt roti of Poulèt ala Orange (a new variation) and there wasn't a hint of warmth in the dish. Even the gravy itself was cold. The chicken was tender and nicely roasted, but there was nothing special about Poulèt ala Orange. It was pretty much half a roasted chicken set upon a plate of gravy. ヽ(　￣д￣)ノ

Poulèt ala Orange $17.80++ (Half)

My friend had the Braise de Poulèt. I didn't get to taste it, but my friend said it was somewhat like Chinese herb chicken with a very weak taste. The taste was neither here nor there, and that it looked like dish that can be made at home.

Braise de Poulèt - $13.80++

We skipped the much raved about tiramisu dessert because our tummies were filled. As it was a treat, I didn't get to see how much the bill came up to. But I'm guessing it was about $72.60, which is not too bad for 3 pax.

I'll be visiting Poulèt again, because I want a certain vegetarian to try their Salad de Paris. And maybe he'll be able to recreate it for himself back in AUS. *grins* I'll most certainly avoid their soups though.



round and round the rotisserie ~

Skinny Pizza, what a crack.

Double dinner date with Shirley, a friend I made (years ago) at a pushcart she was working at. It was a random encounter back then. We lost touch with each other when school kicked in and we both got real busy. But thanks to instagram (and a couple of my Christmas bakes), we made time for dinner at Raffles City's Skinny Pizza.

It was our first visit to Skinny Pizza and we had high hopes. Jer & I had especially high hopes, too high for Skinny Pizza I would think. Jer's vegetarian (eggs & dairy products are okay), so we decided to get mushroom soup, roasted pumpkin salad, & a meatball pizza with the meatballs on the side. Here's how they look like.

As a mushroom soup lover, this bowl of portobello mushroom soup did not have a single hint of portobello in it. The soup tasted like blended mushroom with large amounts of cream. It was probably blended for quite some time because of all the tiny air bubbles in it. This soup was a challenge to swallow. It's only saving grace is the super duper soft slice of bread that came along with it.

Portobello Mushroom Soup - $7

Next came the salad. I had to stop the waiter from putting the dish on the table because I thought he was at the wrong table. Only after he told us that it was the pumpkin salad we ordered that it hit me.. "that's not crayfish, that's pumpkin with its skin on!" (￣□￣;)!!

Macadamia Crusted Pumpkin Salad - $12

Looking like some dried up desert with pitiful amounts of greens, I couldn't tell if this was an actual salad, or just the salad dressing. But congratulations Skinny Pizza, you've shown me an all new level to salads.

Macadamia Crusted Pumpkin Salad with an estimate of 10 rocket greens
not sure if this is supposed to be a salad or an appetizer

You'd think the soup & salad would have prepared us for the pizza that followed after. The pizza made an awkward entrance with a very grumpy looking waiter who didn't even bother asking us how many slices we'd like our pizza to be cut in. So we had 6 slices and meatballs on the side. The first meatball was good. The second was nice. The third was a little off. The fourth started to taste odd. Then the fifth was just plain weird. *grimace* & I couldn't stomach any more odd meatballs. ( /)д(\ )

Meatball Napolitana - $24

Shirley & her bf, Kenny, ordered the pasta version of my meatball pizza. I didn't get a photo of the pasta, but it's al dente with the same kind of sauce & magic meatballs that gets a little weird once you've had one too many.
They ordered a pizza to share between themselves as well. A cod fish pizza with no trace of cod fish. We inspected the menu's description of the pizza & found it to be a puree of salt cod, potato, garlic, and assorted herbs. At least, that's what the menu states. But like what Kenny said, they could use any kind of fish and he wouldn't know. Shirley did say it tasted like salted egg though. *laughs*

Cod Fish Pizza - $26

After finishing our food (too expensive to not finish), I noticed their caption "What a crack." & I have to agree Skinny Pizza, truly, what a crack.

My conclusion, the Portobello Mushroom Soup was barely worth $7 for a bowl full of cream and air. The Macadamia Crusted Pumpkin Salad was a sorry excuse for a salad costing $12. And the pizzas, definitely not worth $24 / $26.

I have my doubts after this first experience, but don't let my opinions get you down. If you love thin crust pizzas this place might be worth a shot for you. My colleagues recommend their English Breakfast Pizza, & I did enjoy their $6 pot of Apple Chamomile Tea (limited to 3 hot water refills).

But yes, you won't be seeing me at Skinny Pizza. haha..



a once in a lifetime & never again