D6 life happenings | THE STRAITS TIMES | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018 |

Rebecca Lynne Tan straitstimesfood.com Editor recommends

GLAMPING AT TBB SAFARI PHOTOS: ALOHA Picks I went glamping – glamorous camping – in Singapore POKE, GOODWOOD recently, in the wilds of Minden Road near Dempsey Hill. PARK HOTEL, There, foraged herbs were even included in my food and REBECCA

Food drink. LYNNE TAN, The two-week-old TBB Safari is the latest urban TIONG BAHRU glamping bakery experience. It is Tiong Bahru Bakery’s BAKERY/SPA newest outlet, housed in a kitschy glamping tent . ESPRIT GROUP The seating area is decorated with ethnic kilim rugs, brass insects and vintage suitcases. Afraid of the heat? Don’t worry, there are air blowers for cool comfort. Aside from the bakery chain’s staples like buttery croissants and addictive kouign amanns served in spanking new mess tins, exclusive treats here include pandan-infused pineapple with rolled oats served with a black sesame-infused milk ($8.80, right) and an apple bircher muesli with rojak flower ($8.50). Speciality drinks include the blue bell latte ($6) – made with blue pea flowers from the garden and coconut milk – VERDE KITCHEN’S ASSAM LAKSA Here, the spicy fish broth is thick, and beetroot and ginger latte ($6.50). Opt for soya or Earlier this year, when Verde Kitchen robust and full of flavour. The bowl is almond milk at no extra charge. opened in the place previously huge and the cafe does not stint on I like the dairy-free turmeric and ginger latte ($6.50) – a occupied by Glow, one of my favourite ingredients – there is plenty of gravy zingy, wake-me-up latte made with almond or soya milk cafes, I was devastated. Gone were with chunks of fish, shredded and a smidgen of coconut sugar for sweetness. some of my favourite dishes on the cucumber, pieces of pineapple and Head here for breakfast, tea or a casual tete-a-tete. menu too. torch ginger flower. WHERE: TBB Safari, 130E Minden Road MRT: Farrer Thankfully, while the space and WHERE: Verde Kitchen, Level 2 Road/Botanic Gardens OPEN: 8am to 6pm daily most of the menu have been Hilton Singapore, 581 Orchard TEL: 6877-4876 INFO: E-mail revamped, some items remained, Road MRT: Orchard [email protected] or go to including the Penang assam laksa OPEN: 10.30am to 5pm (Mondays to www.tiongbahrubakery.com ($25, above), which always satisfies. Saturdays), closed on Sundays A little more luxe and much more TEL: 6730-3397 expensive than that from a hawker INFO: E-mail verdekitchen stall, but I think of it as a treat. @hilton.com or go to str.sg/oXnd

POKE WITH CAULIFLOWER RICE save those calories for hawker food. It has taken a while for the cauliflower Aloha Poke’s version is tasty on its rice trend to take root here, but I am own – mildly spiced and fragrant. glad it finally has. Build your own poke bowl for $10.90 Cauliflower rice is essentially and opt for cauliflower rice (additional cauliflower that has been finely $2) in place of white or brown rice. chopped until it resembles a grain. It For a vegetarian option, try the is then cooked and seasoned. Green Giant ($17.90) with cauliflower Poke chain Aloha Poke, which has rice, cubes of tofu in a sesame sauce BEAUTIFUL LOG CAKE FOR CHRISTMAS light strawberry chiffon sponge on a hazelnut sable breton eight outlets in locations such as and sauteed oyster and button I always take descriptions in press releases with a pinch of base that is not too sweet. In the centre, tangy Change Alley and Westgate, mushrooms. salt, especially when words like “gorgeous” are used to yuzu-infused pear poached in red wine makes for a less introduced cauliflower rice (above) to WHERE/MRT: Aloha Poke, eight describe Christmas offerings. I will believe it when I see it. cloying and more refreshing Christmas dessert. its menu last month. outlets including Tikki Bar by Aloha So when Goodwood Park Hotel’s new Yuletide Blossom WHERE: The Deli, Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road It has also increased its options of Poke, 92 Amoy Street (Telok Ayer), log cake (above) was delivered to me two weeks ago, I was MRT: Orchard OPEN: Available for collection till Dec 26. cooked and vegetarian poke, as well tel: 6221-6165; Takashimaya gobsmacked when I opened the box. The cake was, as Order at least five days in advance. Order in person at The as added more salad toppings like Shopping Centre (Orchard), B2-31, described, gorgeous. Deli between 9am and 9pm daily, or over the phone marinated jelly fish, ikura and roasted tel: 6732-1420; Bugis Junction The log cake ($82 for a 1kg cake) is decorated with TEL: 6730-1867/6730-1868, from 10am to 6pm daily red peppers to its arsenal. (Bugis), 04-01, tel: 6266-8553; skilfully hand-piped blooms of butter cream in festive INFO: E-mail [email protected] or go to I like having the option of Westgate (Jurong East), 01-09, colours – intricate and reminiscent of old-school festivepromotions.goodwoodparkhotel.com from cauliflower rice because that way, I tel: 6252-7996 grandeur. tomorrow to order online. Last day for orders is Dec 19, can cut down on boring and OPEN: Various opening hours Expect a lush layer of white chocolate mousse around a noon unnecessary carbohydrates – I like to INFO: www.alohapoke.com.sg

FOOD Dinner With MasterChef SG’s WHERE: Jumbo Seafood outlets (East Peck Seah Street (Tanjong Pagar); or WHERE: Mezzanine Level, Claymore 6543-9809 (Tampines) Sowmiya Venkatesan Coast Seafood Centre, Riverside Point, online at themarmaladepantry. Connect (beside Orchard Hotel), INFO: thebutterstudio.com PROMOTIONS At Flying Monkey The Riverwalk, NSRCC’s Changi com.sg WHEN: Till Dec 31. Collection 442 Orchard Road MRT: Orchard Flying Monkey is holding a Clubhouse, Dempsey Hill and Ion times: Noon - 3pm, 4 - 7pm (three WHEN: Till Dec 25, collection 10am - Donuts And Pizzas four-course dinner for two nights only Orchard (opening next month); Chui working days’ advance order 8pm PRICE: $52+ - $138+ From One Sushi Morton’s Goes All-Natural With with chef Sowmiya Venkatesan of Huay Lim Teochew Cuisine, JPot required) PRICE: $20+ - $110+ TEL: 6739-6738 INFO: E-mail One Sushi’s chef Wong Eng Chun has Autumn Menu MasterChef Singapore. The menu will Tampines 1, Singapore Seafood TEL/INFO: Novena: 6664-0348, monbijou.ohs@millennium turned the classic donut into three Steakhouse Morton’s of Chicago is feature a traditional South Indian Republic (Resorts World Sentosa) e-mail enquiry.novena@ hotels.com savoury items – Salmon Avocado celebrating its 40th anniversary with feast that includes Amuse Bouche of MRT: Various WHEN: Mon - Jan 1 themarmaladepantry.com.sg; Sushi donut (large $12.90/small an all-natural, hormone-free tender Medu Vadai with Neer Moru; PRICE: From $10.80 for 100g Downtown: 6385-0741, e-mail Pre-Christmas Lunch & Dinner $7.90), One Sushi Sushi donut cut. Highlights of its new autumn Curry-leaf Poori with Potato Masala INFO: jumbogroup.sg/en/promotions enquiry.downtown@themarmalade At 1919 Waterboat House ($7.90/$4.90) and Refreshing Sushi menu include the All Natural 10oz and Tamarind chutney, and a tasting pantry.com.sg The 1919 Waterboat House is serving donut ($7.90/$4.90). The One Sushi Filet With Bone Marrow ($108++) and Classic Sushi Pizza ($9.90/slice) platter of Pepper Mushroom, Coconut Festive Feasts At Oakwood a three-course pre-Christmas lunch 18oz Dry-Aged Prime Bone-In New Bakerzin’s Sweet And Savoury contains a spread of salmon, maguro, Cabbage, Raw Plantain Fry, Pumpkin Premier OUE and a four-course pre-Christmas York ($138++). A fan favourite is the Sambar with Coconut, Lemon and Treats tuna mayo, avocado, egg roe and The menu at Se7enth at Oakwood dinner. Menu highlights include thick-cut Nueske’s Bacon Steak Tamarind Sevai. The non-vegetarian Adorned with a sweet smile on a handful of sesame seeds. Also Premier OUE Singapore starts with a Homemade Pasta with White Truffle, ($20++). Morton’s 2015 Caymus, menu has Pepper Prawns, Coconut coconut cream, the adorable available are platters such as Salmon holiday-inspired appetiser of Baked Crispy Shrimp and a Spiced Iberico Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley Cabbage and Spicy Chicken Stir-fry. Snowman cake ($60, 2kg) with Deluxe Platter ($62.90), Assorted Pumpkin and Orange Soup with crab Pluma Pork with Purple Cabbage and ($180++), is highly recommended. WHERE: 67-68 Bussorah Street fragrant pandan sponge, cempedak Sushi Platter ($48.90) and, for a small meat. Mains choices are Roasted Pickled Grapes. Diners can also enjoy a Steak & MRT: Bugis WHEN: Tue & Dec 11, 6.30 & Turkey Breast with sweet potato and and pure avocado cream is one of gathering, the One Sushi Special Lobster dish for $108++ (offer ends 8.30pm PRICE: $45 nett; for Bakerzin’s festive offerings. Others WHERE: 3 Fullerton Road MRT: Raffles Platter ($8.90). Grilled Ribeye Steak with Brussels Place WHEN: Lunch: Dec 10 - 21, noon - on Dec 30). reservations, go to bit.ly/2AdkbCH sprouts. For dessert, there is include Orange Cinnamon Capon WHERE: 01-04 Northpoint City Town WHERE: Level 4 Mandarin Oriental TEL: 6291-0695 INFO: E-mail ($49, 2kg), Pineapple Glazed Gammon 2pm; dinner: Dec 10 - 22, 6 - 10pm Square, 3 Northpoint Drive Christmas Chestnut Delight. The bar PRICE: $35++ - $75++ a person Singapore, 5 Raffles Avenue [email protected] is serving three Yuletide-inspired Ham ($58, 1.3kg) and Guinness Beef, MRT: Yishun WHEN: Till Dec 31, TEL: 6538-9038 INFO: E-mail MRT: Promenade cocktails. Chicken Teriyaki and the meat-free 11.30am - 10pm PRICE: Sushi donuts: Mushroom Shepherd’s Pies ($24 - $25, [email protected] WHEN: Mon - Sat: 5.30 - 11pm; WHERE: Se7enth, Level 7 Oakwood $4.90 - $12.90; platters: $8.90 - CHRISTMAS 700g). Other pastries are Strawberry Sun: Noon - 9pm Premier OUE Singapore, OUE $62.90 TEL: 6481-9331 Yoghurt Yule Log ($46, 900g), Celebratory Cakes PRICE: $108++ - $138++; Downtown 1, 6 Shenton Way INFO: facebook.com/OneSushiSG Free Wine With Lobster Gingerbread House ($42, 850g) and From Butter Studio wine $180++ TEL: 6339-3740 MRT: Tanjong Pagar WHEN/PRICE: Till Specialities At Jumbo Peppermint Meringue ($5.50 a piece). INFO: mortons.com/singapore Dec 31, 6 - 9.30pm (Se7enth): Halal bakery Butter Studio has put Restaurants WHERE: Go to bakerzin.com/locations WINE EVENT one-for-one set dinner at $98++; together a festive menu for parties The Jumbo Group of Restaurants is for list of outlets MRT: Various Dishes By Justin Quek At tomorrow - Dec 31 (bar) from noon: and gifts. Choose from the selection ushering in the festive season with WHEN: Pre-orders by Dec 28 (online San Felice-Pietrasanta Wine Xin Wang Outlets $12++ a cocktail TEL: 6812-6050 of log cakes ($58 to $68), festive gift live lobster specialities and exclusive by Dec 21, 2pm); last day for Dinner Celebrity chef Justin Quek has INFO: E-mail dining.opsg basket ($58), Whimsical Cakelets dining deals. Diners will get delivery/self-collection: Dec 31/Jan 1 Ristorante Pietrasanta, a teamed up with Xin Wang Hong Kong @oakwood.com (from $18.90), cupcakes and complimentary red or white wine PRICE: $5.50 - $58; festive packages Tuscan-style family restaurant Cafe to roll out a series of gingerbread cookies (from $3.50). Its (worth $35) with every order of live $78 - $178; 10 per cent early-bird signature Holiday Velvet cake ($48) founded by the Massimini brothers, limited-time-only dishes. It kicks off Gourmet Goodies From Giuseppe and chef Loris, is offering a Boston Lobster (about 600g). Each discount (till Dec 18), 10 - 15 per cent has also been given a festive with a quintessentially Hong Kong Marmalade Pantry five-course dinner paired with the Jumbo brand will be cooking its discount on certain cards (till Jan 1) makeover with a festive greeting experience, including starter French signature style such as Chui Huay Marmalade Pantry’s Festive Gourmet INFO: www.bakerzin.com Tuscan wines of San Felice. Menu chocolate plaque and holiday Duck Foie Gras Pate, Luncheon Meat Lim’s Wok Baked Live Boston Lobster Goodies are available for pre-orders. highlights are Seared Tuna Loin, decorations. Store collection and & Fluffy Scrambled Egg Toast with fermented beans and garlic Carvery items include Whole Roasted Festive Treats At Mon Bijou Handmade Tuscan Spaghetti with doorstep delivery are available. ($7.80++); mains Sea Bass Fillet Curry Teochew style ($12.80++ per 100g); Turkey with fresh herbs ($98+), Fresh from winning the Best Cafe octopus sauce, Grilled Swordfish With Steamed Rice ($15.80++) and Jumbo Seafood’s Live Boston Lobster Moroccan Roasted Boneless Lamb award at the RAS Epicurean Star WHERE (MRT): Bakery Cafe, 147 Jalan belly, Roasted Tenderloin with ricotta Hae Mee Soup Nissin Noodle baked with cheese and butter Leg ($88+), Angus Ribeye With Merlot Awards, Orchard Hotel’s Mon Bijou Besar (Jalan Besar); B208-4A cheese and smoked cured ham. ($12.80++); and Pulut Hitam Pudding ($11.80++ per 100g); and Singapore Beef Jus ($88+) and Maple Honey presents a trove of festive treats. Takashimaya B2 Food Hall, Featured wines include San Felice ($5.80++) for dessert. Seafood Republic’s White Pepper Live Glazed Ham ($88+). Sides ($20+) Traditional Christmas specialities 391 Orchard Road (Orchard); B1-K8 Chianti Classico DOCG 2015, IGT WHERE: Xin Wang HK Cafe outlets at Boston Lobster (seasonal price). include Cauliflower And Burger Salad, include Hickory BBQ Baby Pork Rib Tampines Mall, 4 Tampines Central 5 Toscana Vigorello 2013 and San Felice Anchorpoint, AMK Hub, Changi T3, Diners can also enjoy the live Boston Garlic Mash and Roasted Winter ($118+), Honey-glazed Ham with Port (Tampines) WHEN: Jalan Besar: Mon - Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Compass One, EastPoint, Heartland Lobster ($10.80++ per 100g), Vegetables. For sweet treats, there Wine Jus and Pineapple Chutney Thu, noon - 9pm; Fri, noon - 11pm; Sat, Campogiovanni 2013. Mall, Jem, Northpoint, NUH Medical complemented with JPot’s Seafood are log cakes ($60++) and signature ($118+) and Slow Roast Turkey with 11am - midnight; Sun, 11am - 9pm; WHERE: Ristorante Pietrasanta, Centre, Plaza Singapura, Springvale @ Platter ($58.80++) or premium meats festive cupcakes ($20++ for a set of Giblet Sauce ($138). All three portions closed on Tue. Takashimaya/ 5B Portsdown Road, 01-04 Siglap, Tiong Bahru Plaza, West Coast such as sliced-to-order Sliced Wagyu four). Festive bundles of one carvery serve eight to 10 people. Sweeten Tampines: From 10am daily PRICE: MRT: One-North WHEN: Dec 18, 7pm Plaza, White Sands & Yew Tee Point Ribeye ($24.80++), Sliced Kurobuta and two sides are available at $110+. your celebration with the new Mon Gingerbread cookies & cupcakes from PRICE: $118++ a person, $94.40++ MRT: Various WHEN: From Dec 13 Pork ($11.80++) and JPot’s signature WHERE (MRT): 01-02/04 Oasia Hotel Bijou Island Ananas Milk Chocolate $3.50, log & other cakes from $48 for HSBC cardholders PRICE: $5.80++ - $15.80++ Hand-made Jumbo Pork Ball Novena, 8 Sinaran Drive (Novena); Log Cake ($60, 1kg) or the Coconut (6-inch)/$68 (8-inch) TEL: 6294-7115 TEL: 6319-4038 INFO: E-mail INFO: xinwang.com.sg ($5.80++). 01-01 Oasia Hotel Downtown, 100 Pulut Hitam Log Cake ($52, 1kg). (cafe), 6734-6153 (Takashimaya), [email protected]