I was looking forward to this place as it was highly rated by you know who...

So with high expectations....I thought this is a place that can rival Da Mario or Basilico...But boy was I wrong...

My sister in law and her bf ordered two pizzas....one being parma ham with arugula leaves, and the other is a seafood version. Both were way off in taste and texture as compared to Da Mario and Basilico's. If you have the chance to try similar pizzas from the other two above mentioned rival, you will know what I mean

We also ordered the crostinos which Oscar of Buko Nero's fame had helped with this dish...well there are two versions...hot or cold....having tasted both...I can say they are decent but not spectacular....try Buko Nero's version and it's like comparing Rolex and Tudor...now u get the picture ?

My SIL also ordered the beef carpaccio.....sad to say this is way off the mark as compared to their competitors offering....again...if you've tried Buko Nero's version....it's like heaven and earth !

Now before you guys think I am paid by Buko Nero or Casa Verde's competitor to write this review....PLS GO AND TRY FOR YOURSELVES and see whether you agree with what I've written so far.

The only saving grace is my roasted seabass.....again it's decent, but dun expect to be wowed by it.....Basilico's version is definitely a much better choice and a memorable one...

If you are a lover of dining within the lush nature of a garden...then this is the place for you....but if you are someone who goes for the food instead of the ambience....look elsewhere....but since this is a new joint....give them sometime to finetune their dishes....hopefully they can be better when I'm back in the future !

There's always a new star out there among the thousands of food establishments....but right now, Basilico is THE STAR ! After the food tasting session with some of my fellow makan kakis awhile back, I've been there close to a dozen time in less than 2 mths !!! That's how good this place is....not just the food, but the service is first rate as well.

I'll share with you guys my first experience during the food tasting....then my other memorable trips back there at a later date.

The very first trip there was a trip to " the mecca ".....a nicely renovated Italian joint....it welcomes you with cosiness...the kind of place you'll feel comfortable with the first time you step foot there. Everybody greets you with a genuine smile and that is a plus point to start with.

We were given a degustation menu....which's a good thing, as all of us will then have a chance to sample a variety of Basilico's numero uno's dishes.

First to come was a pita bread like dish filled with black truffles and cheese....it looked really plain and boring at first sight....BUT....this is a tasty starter.

Next came the tomato lobster stew....I'm not a fan of stews....but this is one hell of a stew...nah...it's actually tomato lobster soup....great effort and tasty too..

Third item to come is a risotto consisting of diced lobster, tiger prawns scallops and asparagus. Another popular item according to my fellow makan kakis who agreed with me !

And for the main dish....what else to choose but the WAKYU beef ? I dare say if you are a beef lover....or a WAKYU fanatic....check this place out....it is REALLY GOOD !!!

I shall not list the desserts here....as I was busy chatting with my kakis and drinking my latte.....but this is really a nice place to dine with friends or your companion....the ambience, food and service is really top notch...and if you are clueless as to where to bring your hotdate...this is a place you must drop by....yes...it's a MUST !

I know I have to share this "hidden jewel" with my fellow makan kakis sooner or later.....so brace yourself, as this is one of the best...if not the best out there....REALLY !

If you are a fan of lean and fat free char siew....this is the best place for your fix.....Kok Kee only uses the better grade...ie free from fats and you can say a premium cut according to one of their cooks I spoke to.

If one were to look at this store...it's no big deal....really a simple spartan set up....but when you join that queue during peak hours....be prepared to be rewarded with that unforgettable tradional wan ton noodle taste. A word of advice though....go for the bigger serving at $4.50 per plate....or else you'll need to rejoin that long queue....I have many makan kakis that goes for the S$4.50, plus split another additional S$4.50 serving with another friend !!! Yes they are really that good.....but before you pop over...do take note they will suddently go for their off days on either wed or thurs every week....so I tend to skip these two days to avoid disappointment.

Last but not least, if you are a serious fanatic of tasty wan ton noodles...do not miss this place....you will be a regular customer like myself !

Btw they only operate from 12.30pm to 3.00am daily ( except either wed or thurs ).

I must say this is a surprise dinner for me with some of our makan kakis....and yes...we have two special guests, and it's a pleasure meeting them !

I was alittle lost finding my way there even though it's Cairnhill. I never expected a nice cozy restaurant to be there in the first place...

But thanks to my good old fren from HGW....who even volunteered to wait for me at the main entrance....I must say this is really a "hidden jewel"....and thanks my friend for guiding me earlier : )

Besides being hidden...I must say I was floored by the cozy ambience.... as this establishment is pretty new....I'm surprised there are quite a fair bit of crowd on a weekday.....especially quite a good ratio of foreigners !

The selection of food is pretty decent as well....and what stands out being...you are able to choose your own side dishes and pair them the way you like. Kudos to Kumar and his team for making this a option unlike other restaurants just plonked down some veg etc that turns you off if they are not your cup of tea...

For starter, I ordered the mushroom soup and shrimp cocktail. The soup is rich and tasty....one that spells of quality....decent portion without filling u up to the brim. Next, the shrimp cocktail...hmm....first thing I noted the prawns were fresh as well as the greens....decently good but not over the top...

For main course, I ordered the king prawns with blue basil pesto sauce, and side dishes being broccoli and roasted baby potatoes. This dish is a winner...and the combo is really a winner. I personally suggest for first timers there, they should give this dish a shot....a safe bet IMHO.

And to end the wonderful dinner, I had the strawberry gelato and a cafe latte....and yes...I'll be back soon.

Thanks Kumar.... for a wonderful evening : )

I have to admit....I've been dining at this place almost once a week......yup...since Sage started serving set lunches from Wed to Fri.

Ok guys and gals....alittle history on Sage

Established in 2005, Sage The restaurant is the product and determination of husband and wife team jusman So and Kimberly Chew.

After spending three years at Robertson Walk, Sage is now located at one of Mohamed Sultan road's conservation shophouses.

Sage The Restaurant hosts a maximum of only 38 covers an evening so as to ensure that their consistent standards of food quality and service are maintained. The restaurants’ open-kitchen concept has been extended to their new premises, so diners have an even better view of the chefs at work. Good food and wine should be enjoyed slowly with the company of good friends or family, thus the restaurant avoids multiple turnovers in an evening and tries to keep to just one seating a night.

Jusman So worked along side numerous Michelin Star Chefs during his stay at Hilton Singapore’s Harbor Grill & Oyster Bar. Chef Jusman So knows exactly how to entice you with outstanding dishes that emphasize taste, freshness and creativity. Taking classical French recipes and infusing them with his own style and creativity, Chef Jusman So’s cuisine is uniquely fresh and modern. Thanks to the support of many of his customers, Chef Jusman So walked away with the title of Rising Chef of the Year 2008 at this year’s World Gourmet Summit.

So u must be wondering what to try if this is your first trip at Sage.....a must have is their Cappuccino of wild mushrooms soup with truffle infused scrambled eggs, asparagus and morel cream....one word to describe...simply heavenly !

And a must have for starter if u are having lunch is their Crab and Tomato Salad.....simply makes u go Oooolala : )

For main course....another must try is their prawn pasta a la “Carbonara” homemade fettuccini pasta tossed with egg yolk, bacon and prawn bits, Arugula leaves and shavings of Parmigiano Reggiano....one of the best pasta.....out there....PERIOD !

If you guys are duck confit lovers or your first time at Sage.....you have to try their duck confit....Duck Confit
Duck leg confit on a Savoy cabbage parcel stuffed with field mushroom,
leek and red onion, puree of red beets and Pommery mustard jus....again....one of the best, if not the best one out there.

And last but not least....one of the reason why Sage is so successful is due to the effort of Ms Kimberly Chew.....you can be assured of professional and friendly service with her around. Great emphasis is placed on customer service and Kimberly’s team at Sage will always make sure you feel right at home. She will be more than happy to assist with food and wine recommendations from the restaurant's carefully assembled selection of wine from France, Australia, New Zealand and Italy. With years of experience in planning small parties, she’s also the person to speak to if you’re interested in hosting a wine dinner, private function or any other event at the restaurant.

And yes...I'll be back next week....see u guys there....and don't forget to say hello when u see me dining there !

I've been told this restaurant is "THE" hardest to make a reservation to dine.....but guess it pays to be "Panerai" as I've been there two days back to back with no such difficulty : )

Ok jokes aside...I think I must be plain lucky to makan at this wonderful place. First visit with a fellow makan kaki from HGW, and the next day on my own...both days being lunch.

Prior to what I've experienced so far at Buko Nero, I would like to share with my fellow makan kakis a quick biography of Mr Oscar Pasinato.....chef and co-owner of this fabulous place.

Hailing from a small village not far from Venice, chef Oscar began his illustrious gourmet career at London’s Santini restaurant. This was followed by stints in Paris, New York, Puerto Rico, Tokyo, Bangkok and Singapore. From all of these, he has masterfully blended his various culinary explorations into the deliciously creative flavors and technique he has perfected today.
These very flavors can be savored on a regular basis at chef’s Oscar’s own little restaurant in Singapore. Since opening eight years ago, Buko Nero has deservedly earned a name as one of the city’s most popular restaurant. In fact it is so popular; guests are often willing to wait several weeks for a dinner reservation.
Chef Oscar’s culinary creations blend Italian cuisine with Asian influences from a career spanning more then 20 years and the result are truly delicious.
It is hardly surprising though, considering one of his favorite saying: “every day is anew challenge as you are as good as the last meal you have prepared”.
Further testimony to his much sought after culinary skills, Chef Oscar in 2003 won the Rising Chef of the Year Award at the World Gourmet Summit in Singapore. He also holds the prestigious Chef Diploma of the Scuola Alberghiera Di Castelfranco Veneto.

Ok.... back to my dining experience at BN. First visit, ordered their spinach and crabmeat soup.....just what a nice tasty soup should be....a must try if it's available on your next visit. For my main course, I had their tenderloin steak. Beef done just as described, and I must say....one of the best available out there for the money.

For dessert, I ordered their unique Horlick ice cream.....yup I kid u not....if u are a fan of Horlicks....this is a must have to end a wonderful meal !

PS This is one of my favourite place to have a nice quiet meal....but do follow the golden rule....always call to make reservations to avoid being disappointed.

This must be one of the best new restaurant in 2008....and I must say I can't agree more !

I've been to many indian restaurants......and none impressed me as much as Yantra.....the combination of great dishes, cozy ambience and great service.....all this makes this an unforgettable dining experience....and trust me.....you will be back real soon after your first time there...

I have the honour of dining with two other kakis of mine, and ordered the following :

1) Chicken Kali Mirch

Chunks of chicken marinated in a well balanced mix of chilli paste, garlic, ginger spiced pepper.

2) Dahakte Jhinga

plump tiger prawns marinated in spiced vinegar and grilled in it's shell, served on a sizzler & flambered.

3) Machchi Hariyali

Fillets of promfret delicately flavoured with fresh mint and grilled over charcoal.

4) Rogan Josh

A mildly spiced mutton curry cooked in the traditional north indian style

5) Garlic naan

A must have to mop up those wonderful gravy !


I shall make this short and sharp.....the above are " MUST HAVE " and " MUST TRY " dishes.....bottom line is " DIE DIE MUST TRY ".......yup....they are that good....and most importantly....all the dishes are fresh and very tasty.....I'm going back sometime soon when their imported lobster is back in stock....was told it's a very popular dish and sold out at most times....and I missed the boat on the very day I dined....but then again, I have item 1 to 5 to savour....and it's one of the best Indian dining experience I've had in a long time.

Thanks to Combat Wombat's FR....I've actually made my trip down to check out this place earlier than expected. What a coincident.....this place....run by a group of friends of mine....and they actually invited me over earlier to try out....but due to some busy schedules recently....I've postponed trying till now....all thanks to your "Hiiiiyaaak" makan call Ms Wombat !!!

Ok...first impression....it's a nice cozy place, with a nice touch of class ! Guess my friends must have spent a small fortune on the renovation...

After scanning thru the menu.....ordered the scallop appertiser....this is a MUST HAVE....trust me....it will bring you to a state of euphoria ! The sauce...with a tinge of white truffle sauce is a sterling combo to this wonderful starter.

Next, ordered the wood roasted spring chicken with lemon, garlic and parsley. Hmm...this is another MUST TRY dish....wonderfully marinated, and roasted.... just nice on the outside....Ha Combat Wombat's taste is spot on....I share the same sentiments over this main....If you are a first timer there and wonder what to order...this is one highly recommended dish !

Last but not least....the dessert of the day....Valhorna chocolate pudding with lavender croutons and sea salt....Ok...am not really crazy about desserts....but this is quite good and ended a perfectly nice meal at Wood's.

Will I be back soon ? You betcha ! I am bringing my friends and biz kakis here....my kind of place...and my type of food. And yes...I will recommend to you guys and gals on the dating game....the ambience is good enough to bring your partner for a hot date !

Had a late lunch at Tea Cosy yesterday as I was doing some last minute shopping for CNY ! Have been there once, but was a forgettable experience then. But this time round, the new owner introduced himself and told me he'd taken over the running of the kitchen from the previous owner. So, am I happy with the new dining experience ?

First thing I've ordered : decadent salad.....oh wow...what a name...must be really sinful...that was the first thing on my mind...but then....it's not that bad...salad came with veg, egg, prawns, and foie gras ! I must say this salad can be a dish by itself....it is really quite a good appetizer.... and the pcs of foie gras are of good quality...and will not look out of place from a 5 star restaurant !

Next, ordered the mushroom soup...ok...this one is alittle on the watery side....not diluted as originally perceived...but as each order is individually made...and not scooped from a big pot...I guess the chef does not want the soup to be too thick ! It's served piping hot though....but I've had better mushroom soups at Sage The Restaurant and Corduroy and Finch...but heh..those are the industry benchmark !

Ok...the main course is quite interesting....it's seabass...lightly pan fried with a nice tomato sauce.....quite refreshing and very fresh....and it's tasty...the only quibble I have is not having a second serving....ah...not forgetting the seabass sits on a generous serving of finely chopped salad....making it a delightful dish.


I was told by Martin the new owner that he will be introducing newer dishes quite soon......yup they are busy concorting something that's different from what's previously been offered....so it will be a completely new dining experience at this cosy place. Judging by what I've experienced earlier....my palate couldn't agree more !

Truth be told...I have a love hate affair with this place ! Ok...I'll start off with why I hate it....there's only one reason...and that is parking can drive you crazy !!! I've waited for 15 mins and still no empty lot....then went for a spin...and a u-turn...still no lot...aaarrgghhh...so went for a nearby carwash....thought by then sure have a lot...ha ha waited for another 10 mins before I got myself a "makeshift" lot !

However, once I'm in the restaurant...I was greeted by a very plesant gentleman by the name of Bjohn...found out he's the manager from South Africa....knows his stuffs at CF well, and asked him to recommend something nice for me...yup...lunch + breakfast....told him I would like to have a cream soup...he says no problemo despite it not on the menu for the day....next, he suggested a rosti with salmon and last but not least...the egg benedict with ham & hollandaise sauce
on top of an english muffin.

First to arrive...cream of mushroom soup...have to say I'm surprised.... this is one of the best...yup....comparable to the one at Sage The restaurant...which is already very good....not forgetting it's not on the menu and they've just whipped it up for me in a jiffy !

Next dish is the rosti with salmon....decent tasting rosti, with fresh salmons and some occietra caviar + some fresh salads....a good start....I was already quite full...and almost wanted to cancel the main dish...but then....I changed my mind and told them to "ta pao" for me instead.

I have to say...the egg benedict is quite ok..maybe I'm already pretty full with the mushroom soup and generous portion of rosti with salmon...but the ingredients are fresh...and well packed...I have to say the english muffin was really crispy and fresh....good effort....but if I'm not that full....it would have been perfect !

When I was there...even spotted a businessman with his mistress....hmm not a bad place to hide and chill out....and a couple of office crowd....I would say this place is for someone who demands good food and a nice place to relax...but BEWARE...the parking woes will drive u NUTS ! If u can live with that...this is a nice place to swing by : )