Lavi Taco - One of a kind Dining Experience

Getting to this hidden gem is an experience in itself. Located within an old school compound perched on top of a hill–thus the name Pearl's Hill Terrace, lol–one needs to go up a flight of stairs surrounded thick, lush greenery to get there. I actually love this journey, enjoying the cool evening breeze and the greenery while going up the stairs. Once on top of the hill, I feel a moment of repose when I see a quiet road flanked by Chinese ornaments and potted plants lies before me. For curiosity's sake, I look down over the fenced edge to see the old school neighbourhood beneath me. It is quite a sight.

Whereas Lavi Taco's open compound is like another world. While there is a sense of serenity hanging over the air due to the secluded location, lots of plants of all heights, ample spaces between tables and the seemingly unoccupied second and third floor of the school, it is very lively and vibrant. Due to the hot music, the murals with bright colours (perfect for backdrop to take photos with), the super friendly and cheerful service crew, the hip and cool crowd and of course, the palate simulating tacos plus a good range of alcoholic drinks.

Despite its secluded location, this cool place is hot with the crowd. By seven in the evening, there is a steady stream of patrons coming in. So reservation is recommended. And here is like a fashion show where individuals wear their cool in-the-mood outfits. I can see why Lavi Taco attracts so many people since this is really the perfect place to chill, gather with friends, soak in the atmosphere, enjoy some good tacos and drinks and just be yourself.

While the tacos here has the distinctive Mexican taste, they do have that Singaporean influences in them to cut back on the sharp and refreshing taste element of Mexican cuisine, thus making it easier for everyone in the group to enjoy the food. The tacos are packed with lots of ingredients, such as grilled prawn cubes, mango cubes, shredded raw red cabbage, chipotle mayonnaise, salsa verda, pico de gallo, cilantro and cheese, thus featuring bursts of bombastic flavours that teases the palates. I like the prawn tacos a lot.

Pulled Mushroom tacos taste surprisingly meaty and are easy to bite on. The taste is milder than that of prawn tacos, but tasty nonetheless. It tastes even better with the lime juice.

Margarita Rosa is a nice, sweet and intoxicating drink. The taste is more nuanced than the typical margarita, which is what I want.

Early evening while it is still bright and airy.

Late evening where the mystique looms.

Food and Drinks are ordered at different counters.

Though note that the food here gives a preview of what Mexican food is like, but it doesn't tell the story of Mexican cuisine. It is for patrons to enjoy something different and distinctive from the usual bar food while immersing in the moment, not really for specific Mexican food tasting.

All in all, Lavi Taco is really a great place for gathering, or for individuals to soak in the unique atmosphere. It may even work for dates where couples are going for an edgy and casual experience.

Thoughts: Cool and Unique Experience! I want to bring my friends here 😉

195 Pearl's Hill Terrace #01-54

Nearest MRT: Chinatown

How to get here:

1. Go up the flight of stairs near the end of Park Crescent Road

2. Once at the top of the stairs, turn right and head for an entrance decorated with lots of Chinese couplets (there is Lavi Taco signboard on its right).

3. Aim for a clearing that is slightly on the left, and you will find this elusive haven!

Ami Yaki - Grilling Goodness

I do have a craving for grilled food for quite a while and have searching up on grilled food restaurants. But who could have known that my craving is totally sated by the grilled pork in this humble little kitchen that I visit due to curiosity instead of craving for grilled meat. This restaurant is one pleasant surprise find that proves to be kind to the wallet too. Icon Village does look so much more exciting with so many unique choices of restaurants and bakeries.

As said, this is a humble little kitchen, so everything is self-service, including payment. The good news is this in turn makes it possible to maintain the price at super wallet-friendly range, so I sure don't mind the self-service in this case.

The set meal consisting of grilled meat, 2 sides and a soup, with the option of adding various sides.  All these makes for a very hearty and sumptuous meal.

The Grilled Pork comes in amazingly thin, smooth, juicy slices, where the sweetness of grilled meat is accentuated by a thin line of char at the rim. It taste so good on its own, and also awesome after dipped with the special sauce.

The 16 grains rice is a good and healthy accompaniment to the grilled meat.

The seaweed with pickled cucumber is refreshing and tangy in taste. I like the potato salad, which is unique in taste  due to the peppery goodness in it. The Tonjiru is nourishing and has the extra herbal taste due to a good variety of vegetables added into it. I enjoy munching on the Japanese yam in it due to the springy texture.

The Grilled Squid is so delicious, being briny sweet and have the aroma of grilled seafood.

Yakitori is nice and juicy, but the aroma of char is not as distinct as compared to the grilled pork and squid.

It is pretty therapeutic to watch the licks of flames peeping out from the grill station. 

I totally enjoy my meal here. It is so satisfying on so many levels. It's one of the great choices to just enjoy delicious food at a budget.

Thoughts: Humble little place that totally impresses!

12 Gopeng St
#01-16 Icon Village

Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar

Nick Vina Artisan - A slice of German Bread Culture

I came to know about Nick Vina Artisan from my German teacher (Hallo, lieber Lehrer!) who is a fan of this place, so I got to visit this unique bakery to immerse myself more in German culture.

There are so many different kinds of bread here, like Roggenbrot, Volkorn, Dinkelbrot, Ciabatta, German Rye Bread, Pain Miche, Sourdough and more. I'm a bit lost on which one to try actually.

As the popular Sour Dough bread is sold out, I decide on French Batard, which is made from sourdough.

The sweet aroma of baked wheat is so pronounced in the French Batard. My whole kitchen is filled with a light tint of this lovely aroma when I leave it on the shelf for few hours. When ready to enjoy this quaint little bake, I slice it up and put it in oven to toast it for a crunchy bread rim and warm, fluffy, soft, stretchy interior. Delicious on its own, and is, of course, awesome when paired with chucks of butter, garlic butter or garlic butter mixed with sour cream. I finish half a loaf in a flash and feeling very sated afterwards.

Lemon Tart is packed with the zesty punch of real lemons, so this will definitely win the hearts of lemon fans. The pastry crust is surprisingly firm yet easy to bite at the same time, which is all good for me. Caramel Tart is sticker in texture and tends towards the sweet side. It is not bad but not as memorable as the Lemon Tart. Meringue has a crusty exterior with sticky foamy core, making for an interesting texture. I actually like Apple Crumble Tart the most despite being skeptical about it at first. This is like the beloved Apple Pie, warm and satisfying.

Frosting Carrot Cake is a intense homely treat filled with rich cream cheese frosting, moist, dense cake filled with the goodness of cinnamon, raisins, crunchy walnuts and carrots. Best to share this since it can be quite filling.

The bread here is so delicious, and the price is actually unbelievably kind on the wallet. A big loaf of French Batard made with GMO winter wheat from German Hildesheim Börde region is only $4.50! Will be trying other breads here soon.

Thoughts: The breads here can actually make a fulfilling and yummy meal.

12 Gopeng St
#01-54/55 Icon Village

Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar

OSMIC Tomatoes

The sweetest and best tomatoes: OSMIC Tomatoes! These are so unbelievably sweet that I feel I'm savouring the sweet fruits laced with the distinctive tang of tomatoes. Definitely worth buying if available in Don Don Donki. These are snapped up first. I brought three boxes on Saturday, and all sold out by Thursday when I went back to buy more. I'm keeping an eye for this whenever I go to Don Don Donki!

Country of Origin: Japan

Where to get this: Don Don Donki

Tokyo Soba - Simple Happiness

Actually, I go to ICON Village for the sole purpose of getting some Nick Vina Artisan Brötchen to savour for lunch. But surprise, surprise, the bakery happens to be off today, right on the day I decided to come here. So I end up going to Alice Boulangerie since I love this cafe based on my previous visit. But before going into the cafe, the corner of my eyes caught a simple but eye-catching signboard "Tokyo Soba". And acting on pure gut instincts, I step into this humble little soba restaurant.

Everything here is self-service, from finding a seat, making payment, getting the food and putting back the used tray. So imagine me standing at the entrance for a minute, waiting to be ushered to a seat, only to realise it's all self-service lol.

The food here is way more than enough to make up for the lack of service and ambience. In addition, there is no service charge. Yes, the food is so simple yet so delicious. I feel that simple happiness, you know, the type shown in Japanese series about food, when chomping on the soba, tempura, ramen egg and spinach here.

First, the freshly handmade soba is perfect in texture, being al dente, yet easy to bite on. The light aroma of buckwheat is a magical match with the planty spiciness of wasabi, the pungency of finely chopping onion and the savoury noodle dipping sauce. I fall in love at the first bite of this comfort food.

More feelings of bliss arose when I bite into the umami rich ramen egg. This is a must add-on for the soba.

The prawn tempura features super crispy batter wrapped around fresh, juicy prawns. These are really excellent tempura.

The spinach soaked in yuzu sauce is soft and is thoroughly soaked with the essence of tangy yuzu. This is such a good accompaniment to the al dente soba in terms of texture and taste.

The Japanese yam has interesting texture, being stretchy and starchy. Taste wise, it is not exactly outstanding but one can order this for trying something with a unique texture.

I did not plan to write a note on food this week, but I end up writing one with the excitement of someone stumbling upon gold. This unassuming little restaurant is such an awesome surprise find. Considering that it is absolutely value for money. I will go back often.

Thoughts: Happiness in Simplicity!

12 Gopeng Street

#01-12/13/14 ICON Village

Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar

Yoku Moku Cigare

Got a super, special gift from my lovely sister: Yoku Moku!

The original cigar is full of cookie goodness: the rich butter, the crispiness, the baked wheat, the wholesomeness of eggs and the vanilla.

And the matcha cigar is oh-my-goodness awesome due to the pronounced layer of floral, clean taste of matcha incorporated into the cookie itself and the smudge of cream rolled within. I love this so much!

Cute Special Golden Seal

Country of Origin: Japan
Where to get this: Shopee https://shp.ee/ijf734k

Paulaner Bräuhaus - tolles deutsches Fest

At my German-speaking friend's several mentions of Paulander, I decide to spend my weekend afternoon here and enjoy some German or Bavarian fare. I have to admit the sheer variety of the menu items is one of the reasons that tempted me to here. I'm actually spoiled for choices here, especially with weekend Frühschoppen, which is free flow of ala carte items with the "F" mark.

The food here is distinctive and simulating in taste, unique, satisfying and super hearty. They are great for sharing because the portion is so huge. After an outing here, I'm so looking forward to trying more German cuisine.

The restaurant consists of three storeys, with the first being the cool, swanky bar, the second and third being incredibly cosy and full of that German rustic cottage feel. The third floor is only open on special occasions. I opt for dining at second floor and I love the feel of this place, with yellow lights, full-length windows, wooden furniture, checkered table cloth, pots of plants and flowers. This is perfect for dates, gatherings and even family outings.

The service is very good and friendly, and they know their selection of beers very well, and food too.

First time trying a Pretzel, and I love it. Served warm and fresh, I immediately catch whiffs of the lovely aroma of baked wheat as I bite through the smooth, glazed, slightly crispy surface and into the fluffy interior. With a light sprinkle of salt on the surface, it tastes so good on its own.

It also goes well with the Obazda cheese, which has the nutty flavour of Brie cheese, smooth texture and richness of butter and refreshing crunchiness of onion rings and chives.

Roast Pork Carpaccio is so unique and is served exactly how I like my pork: thinly sliced, velvety pork drizzled with clear, simulating red vinaigrette. The grated horse radish adds the extra kick and complements the subtle gamey taste of pork so much.

Schupfnudeln, German potato noodles, is actually like springy potato fingers with rich grilled aroma on the surface. It's texture is like gnocchi, which is one of my favourite potato dishes. The accompanying Sauerkraut is really drenched in lactic acids, yielding the distinctive sour taste. I like the texture of the fine, thin strips of fermented cabbage. And this actually contrasts well with the big fat potato noodles.

As I'm too full to enjoy the dessert (really bursting at the seams lol), the friendly staff offers to serve the ice-cream instead for a sweet ending.

Update: Since I always make it a point to try the dessert at any restaurants I have been to, except for those have ice-creams only for desserts, I’m back here to try some Nachtisch und Schnitzel.

Thin, tender and crispy in the outside, thus is probably the best pork cutlet I ever have. Despite the huge portion, I can actually finish this since it is so tender.

Dumpling Duo becomes Triple lol I sure don’t mind. This is quite an unique dessert, in which a ganache of chocolate or apple filling is covered with custard pudding and then coated with a thin layer of breadcrumbs to be deep-fried. The texture is really good due to the juxtapose of crispness and creaminess. The tart taste of berries adds a nice kick to the milky goodness of the custard.

What's a trip to Paulander without drinking a tall glass of Paulander's German beer? So I order a Jubilee Edition, which is refreshing and light.

Nice refreshing drinks: Orange juice and simlating Virgin Mojito.

For patrons who are not used to European cuisine, Pretzel, without the cheese, is a good choice to start with. Flammkuchen (based on my experience at another establishment), Sausages, Beer Bites and Schnitzel are other safe and good choices. One may take some time to get accustomed to the taste of Sauerkraut (think Kimchi without the spiciness).

For me, I actually love Sauerkraut and the simulating, hearty taste of the food here.

Thoughts: I do look forward to come here to enjoy more German cuisine!

9 Raffles Boulevard
Millenia Walk #01-01

Nearest MRT: Promenade