Reddy Feeling "Healthy" @ May May ***Closed. Updated Aug 2017***

May May is one of the new kid on the Tras Street block of buildings. Opened just about a year ago in December 2014, they are the sister establishment of The Blue Ginger, a name synonymous with authentic Nyonya cuisine. No, you wouldn't find your Ayam Buah Keluak fix here, but instead what you can expect to find are modern and casual interpretation inspired by our colourful local flavours and also those around this region. The portions don't seem too overwhelming, which is good news for small eaters (just because there is room for more stuff then!). Staff are prompt, polite and pretty much well versed with what they have to offer. My favourite part? The skylight that fills quite a fair bit of ceiling space! It's especially beautiful when the sky decided to pour the heavens down - with just a hint of daylight and soothing raindrops trickling into a gentle flow upon falling upon the skylight.

Reddy Goes To Biku @ Bali

There's something truly magical about this place. Island Of The Gods they call it. To most people, it is simply known as Bali. I've been here a few times, and yet I feel that I've barely scraped the surface of what this place has to offer. Bali is a land of enchantment and mystical magic. I feel myself so drawn into the beauty of the place that I find it challenging to leave every time. This visit, I've vowed to at pay homage to some of THE institutions that I've lusted over on Instagram. And being such a fan of all things pretty and cakes/pastries/food/all things yum, I've found myself lured into the enigmatic draw of Biku.

For those who love being under the warmth of the sun, there are also outdoor seating options. 

So Instaworthy!

Reddy's Solo Lunch Adventure @ Chalong, Tanjong Pagar Centre

Yay, Tanjong Pagar-ians now have "mini mall" with a spanking new array of food options! Recently opened Tanjong Pagar Centre (oh it is also coincidentally the tallest building in Singapore), located just right next to Tanjong Pagar MRT, will house an exciting mix of eateries, spotted so far are Llao Llao, Royce, Henri Charpentier (opening soon), Crave Nasi Lemak (the famous original Adam Road nasi lemak), IndoChilli, The Daily Cut, Han's, Swee Heng, and of course there so many more to mention. Walking around B2 of the building during a "fam trip" my eyes were drawn to this shop with mouthwatering pictures of grilled meat. Say hello to "Chalong", the newest kid on our block.

18 hour Sous Vide Pork Jowl @ $12.00

Magical Evening @ Cuca Flavor Restaurant, Jimbaran, Bali

It's been so long, since I have had actual time-out as a Mom. And we are talking time-out in a foreign land here! It has been a very trying of late, so many things going on in the background. What should I do with the evening that was miraculously gifted to me courtesy of a very dear friend (where the kid was spending a sleepover at)... With some very quick homework done a few hours to dinner time, Cuca Flavor was decided upon for dinner. The concept? Tapas style food given an artistic fine-dining updo while maintaining the traditional flavors of local Indonesian cooking.

Roasted Pork Buns @ IDR60K

Honey glazed BBQ pork held together with soft pancake bun. Utterly delicious.

Tea Time @ Arteastiq Mandarin Gallery

I believe Arteastiq had it's humble beginnings sometime in 2010-ish, when it once shared the current space in Mandarin Gallery with a furniture store called MARXX. And from what I gathered from reading some past online reviews, the Arteastiq as we now come to know (art jamming with F&B) came out on it's own in 2011-ish, and has now grown to 2 outlets (one in the original Mandarin Gallery location and another in Plaza Singapura). They are known to be the place to go to for a quiet respite in chaotic downtown Orchard, somewhat tai-tai-ish, if I may say so. Arteastiq serves quite a good range of teas, beautiful food in a serene space, and for those with a penchant for art, you can unleash your inner Da Vinci in their art studio section of each outlet. We've done art jamming twice, will do a write-up on that soon enough! But for now, let's talk food. Haha

Afternoon Tea set @ $48++, enough for 2 not-so-hungry people

Sarnie Fix @ Park Bench Deli

There is nothing ordinary about the sarnies you get here. Everything seem to have gone for a "makeover", elevated to another level, gone from hmm-ok, to hmm-this-is-awesome. Opened not too long ago in 2015, this is a collaborative effort of Chef Ming (from the famed Lolla), Chef Andre Soen (The Cajun Kings) and business partner Aamir Ghani. No boring humdrum stuff here, expect amped up versions of humble everyday favourites. The menu might not too expansive, but hey, we believe that if you're gona sell just one thing, then you better be sure to make it so good you wouldn't have to sell anything else.

Grilled Cheese and Kong Bak Banh Mi

The Prettiest One Of Them All - PS Cafe Dempsey

Cafes come and go,but one has remained a crowd favourite for the longest time (well, we're talking about the average lifespan of a cafe which typically does not last beyond a year or two), yes, there is none other than PS Cafe. Opened 17 years ago as part of the Projectshop clothing store, they have withstood the test of time and has over the years, grown to a chain of 8 outlets islandwide. Having visited a few outlets, PS Cafe have never failed to impress me with the upkeep of their unblemished standard of food consistency. The only difference would have to be how each outlet is styled, but of course they stay true to the laidback, dark, sexy and chic vibe. And by far, hands down, PS Cafe Dempsey has won a place in my heart with the lush green surroundings and beautifully romantic interiors.

RaRa and Reddy Goes To Wheeler's Yard

Like finally, RaRa and Reddy visits one of the most Instagrammed place in our Little Red Dot - Wheeler's Yard. We were there just about 5-ish and waited out the few minutes till 6.00pm for dinner menu to kick in (just cause we wanted burger, again...) We wandered around the grounds to kill time, and for cycling enthusiasts, this place is Godsent - many bicycles and cycling related items to suit every budget, there is even a "waiting lounge" of retro proportions that is just next to the entrance to the cafe, probably for patrons to wait should it get too busy at the cafe, or perhaps simply just a chill out corner. We can see why Wheeler's Yard rate high on cafe junkies to-go-list, the place exudes a super chill and eclectic vibe, with great food to rave about. That's a winning combination folks. :)

Christmas Eve with FYR - Reddy's Solo Adventure

Not content with spending Christmas Eve on solo mode, armed with a rumbling tummy and grit determination with each step in the rain (snow we have not, so rain it shall be then), Reddy headed off to FYR for a feel-good-makan. Probably one of the very few places that did not implement the compulsory Christmas dinner menu (with an equally compulsory burn-a-hole-in-the-pocket-pricing), FYR charge the usual $25.00 ($29.42 with taxes) for their monthly changing set lunch menu. Food was good, just as Reddy's first visit was. And it certainly lent some much needed warmth to the otherwise very dreary and depressing wet and grey Christmas Eve.

Sauteéd Shimeji Mushrooms with Truffle Oil, Salted Beurre Blanc

RaRa and Reddy's Happy Treat @ Bunny and Pony

Changi Village is awakening from it's many years of being a sleepy little fishing village. There is a plethora of culinary delights tucked in almost every corner of this laidback rustic little seaside town. Aside from the gastronomic smorgasbord of local hawker fare at the infamous Changi Village Hawker Center, you can now find the likes of mouthwatering homemade cakes, artisanal ice cream, handmade pizza, good quality coffee that packs a punch, just to name a few. Well, we paid this ice cream joint a visit (after drooling over those Instagrammed shots of cotton candy and ice cream), and that definitely will not be our last visit!

Have we caught your attention yet?

Mooncake Overload - When RaRa and Reddy Went Overboard..

Have to admit that I did go overboard. Too many goodies too little time and tummy space! Gluttony took the reign unfortunately and we ended up with too many a good thing. But on the other hand, RaRa and Reddy ate to their's (very greedy) heart's content! Here's to the extra weight and thicker waistline! Yay!

Pink = Praline Chocolate Poprocks, White = White Chocolate Yuzu, Purple = Dark Chocolate Truffle 99%, Green = Salted Caramel

Miam Miam #Rehash

Yes, we have been here before. And we are back again! Good food just a short hop away from our abode, and prices are kind to the pockets too. Miam Miam is a French inspired What was to be a 30 minute wait for RaRa progressed on to an hour worth of wait, on a rumbling tummy. Hurried on to Miam Miam to find that RaRa have ordered himself a Hot Chocolate, a Spaghetti Carbonara and a Valhorna Souffle (signature dish). And poor Mommy? She settled for a Squid Ink Pasta and scraps the souffle.

Valhorna Chocolate Souffle @ $13.80.

Am threading the thin line of being a gluttonous pig by saying that there should be MORE melted Valhorna dark chocolate, when this would actually suffice for any ordinary folk. Haha. Piggy!

Mooncake Frenzy

The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival has come and gone, and it was that time of the year again where hoteliers and pastry chefs and old school mooncake shops try to outdo one another with all time favourites and yearly new (sometimes audacious) flavours. While the traditional baked mooncakes remain generally the same combination year after year (lotus paste, red bean paste, five kernel - consists of 5 types of nuts and seeds with the occasional Jin Hua ham). Over time, creativity and the quest for new ways to excite the palate diversified the once humble delicacy. Modern interpretations have run the gamut with flavours such as green bean paste, custard filling, durian paste, chocolate ganache, champagne ganache, bird's nest and even truffle! Here's a recap of what went down this year's season.....

Ritz Carlton's snowskin range has been a personal favourite for many years, with the Green Tea with Salted Egg Yolk being the Numero Uno. Unfortunately, in the heat of the rush and the throngs of crowd, I blindly ordered without realising that I have successfully ordered all plain ones! Sigh. 

Box of 8 minis (this combination) @ $65.30

Pink = Lychee Martine, White = Lotus Paste, Green = Green Tea

RaRa and Reddy's Movie Time - Ultimate Treat @ Platinum Suites Cathay

When RaRa's been a good lion, he gets a treat. What better than to the movie, to be pampered on plush leather RECLINING and extending leg rest seats (aka First Class airline seats), with fluffy duvet to cover those legs from the cold, with food and drinks just a press of a button away, to dine on fine bone china (or ceramic, most probably ceramic, haha) with ACTUAL cutleries (instead of disposable plastic ones). At $28.00 per pop, it better be THAT good.

Looks more like a club than an actual cinema

When Reddy Goes For A Treat - Violet Herbs @ Tras Street ***Closed. Updated Aug 2017***

Tras Street is one of the few last surviving enclave of conservation buildings. This area was once known to be dingy and notorious, no points for guessing of what sort. Today the quiet stretch of street is home to some of the finest new food and beverage establishments, serving an exciting array of cuisines ranging from Italian, Japanese, French and the works. Violet Herbs is located right at the start of the street, and is possibly quite difficult to miss! According to their website, they describe themselves as a "new age semi-formal fine dining restaurant", serving authentic modern European cuisine (of Italian and French influence). And what sets them apart from the rest? The use of herbs in all their food and signature cocktails.

Foie Gras for lunch. Why not?

Back With A Vengeance - Ding Dong! ***Moved to Amoy Street***

Ding Dong has found a place in my heart (and wallet too!). The food is fantastically good and whimsically creative, and the prices do not burn a big black hole in your wallet. Their set lunch menu is such value for money and for a small eater like me self, the portions are just nice, I get to enjoy a wonderful 3 course meal without feeling like a stuffed potato. Second visit had me trying the Burnt Nasu for starter, Tom Kha Crispy Quail for main and Gula Melaka Sago for dessert. Again, I have to say, the choice was spot on, just as the first was!

This is so Masterchef, if not a Michelin restaurant worthy dish. Light, delicious, creative and chock full of flavour. 

Did you say FYR?

FYR Cycene and Drink. It's pronounced "Fire Kitchen and Drink". I believe this is a pretty new establishment who recently rooted itself early this year in the up-and-coming hip area of Boon Tat/Telok Ayer/Amoy. As they described on their Facebook page, "Modern European cuisine by spices and herbs of South East Asia. All our menu are prepared using our Josper charcoal oven." You may ask what on earth is a Josper oven. I did too. After a quick read-up on Google, I learnt that a Josper oven, to the culinary world, is akin to a Himalayan Crocodile Hermes in the world of tai-tais. Well, not quite, the you can buy many Jospers with that ONE Himalayan Crocodile Hermes, but ya, you get the idea. FYR prides themselves with cooking up their very Instagram-worthy dishes with Lychee Wood fired up in Josper ovens. The result? The grilled meat that fed me achieved that "grit" and earthiness that only wood fire can give. One word - sublime.
Reddy will be back. RaRa you should come along too, ok?

Main of DeRazza Iberico Pork Collar (top up $13.00 on top of the $25++ or $29++ pricing)

Set Lunch is served Monday - Friday 11.30am - 2.30pm. They offer options of 2 course ($25++) and 3 course ($29++) meals. The Set Lunch menu changes on a monthly basis, just so you know :)

Ding Dong! Are you there?

Another feather added to the cap of the super uber creative chef of modern Asian gastronomy, Chef Ryan Clift, of the infamous Tippling Club. Ding Dong is not new to the scene, but it has joined the ranks of a stellar line up helmed by Chef Ryan. Be prepared to be wowed by elegant dishes infused with the local flavours from our daily lives and from neighbouring regions. Having read only nothing short of spectacular reviews of Ding Dong, I headed up (a short hop from Where-I-Earn-A-Living) there with quite a biased expectation. And no, after being immensely impressed with a mere teaser of what more they have to offer, my expectations were not biased at all. They ARE good. And yes, Reddy will return for more. Hopefully RaRa will be more keen to explore new foods, to join Reddy on the next visit.

Main of Asam Pedas Saltwater Barramundi with Okra & Baby Eggplant

This came as part of a (very affordable) set lunch @ $25.00 per person, with an option of adding on $10.00++ more for a glass of wine or suntory premium malt.

Set lunch is available weekdays, Mondays - Fridays, from 12.00pm - 3.00pm. 

RaRa and Reddy's Weekend Treat - Oh My Bacon @ Dunlop Street ***Closed. Updated Aug 2017***

Joining the ranks of the new-kids-on-the-cafe-block scene just early this year, Oh My Bacon (OMB) has managed to pique the interest of bacon lovers on this LittleRedDot. As the name implies, yes, Bacon, those smokey salty strips of heaven sent waistline busters, Bacon is THE star in this new player. Anything and everything the imagination can yield is translated into sweet and savoury sinful comfort food. Being ardent fans of everything bacon, this proved to be an exciting find!

Bacon Jam on Baguette @ $2.00 for 2 slices.
Reminds one of Bak Kwa! Sweet, salty and infused with whisky. There is a slight alcohol"kick" after taste, which makes this so worthy of 'em sinful calories.

Let's Experiment - The Lab SG @ Jalan Pisang **Closed as of 19 January 2018**

T'was to be a girls-catch-up session, but alas, unforseen circumstances decreased the party to just 2 BFFs. Was tasked with "Any place as long as it is halal" request, me trawled my favourite go-to reads from Danielfooddiary and Miss Tam Chiak for some reliable intel. And... I pitched the a few suggestions to the BFF and we concluded that The Lab SG shall be it for the evening. BFF have also heard good stuff about them from word of mouth and that kinda built the standard to expect. Located at the very hip, very IN location of Arab Street enclave (well actually a bit off the epicentre at Jalan Pisang), The Lab SG has joined the ever growing list exciting halal eateries who have made this area home.

Heisenberger, so this is called. So Instagram worthy! Going at only $12.90 a portion, this is value for money indeed. Constructed of a 6oz homemade Beef patty, Bacon strip, Grilled onion, Tomato salsa, Mesclun salad and blanketed with Melted Bleu Cheese (yes, Blue Cheese, and no, it did not stink). Anddd.. there is even the company of Sweet Potato Fries. They are definitely giving 'em big boys a run for their money with this.