Ka-Mon - Awesome Japanese Grill Feast

When I found out about Ka-Mon, a place serving dishes prepared with three different types of Japanese Grilling methods, I know I got to try the food here.  Especially when this place features two types of grilling, namely Genshiyaki: an ancient way of grilling, and Warayaki: straw-fired grilling, that I have never tried before.

I always love grilled food because grilling unlocks a special type of sweetness that adds complexity to the original taste of the ingredients. And at here, I actually get to savour the subtle differences in taste between each grilling methods. Robatayaki has a mild light sweet char, Ancient Grilling packs more oomph in the char while Straw-Fried Grilling has a char with vegetal sweet aroma.

I also love the variety of grilled food options, from aged duck breast, scallop, prawn, pork to tender juicy wagyu, so everyone can enjoy one's favourite grilled protein here. They also have value for money set lunches, Japanese appetisers, sashimi and such. The set lunches look popular, since the restaurant is almost full, with quite of number of patrons ordering the set lunch. Since I'm specially here for the different types of grilled food, I resist the temptation of the set lunch and order items from each type of grill instead. And yes, I'm very happy with my choice because they are so delicious, hitting the sweet spot, inciting moments of "wow".

The place is very spacious with modern Japanese vibe, full of wooden panels of different shades, shiny brick red tiles and a centrepiece of open kitchen counter, where patrons can see the chefs in action.

The service here is awesome, being attentive, friendly and professional. So yes, this place is a must-visit, for enjoying awesome grilled food plus other Japanese fare and experiencing something different.

Robatayaki Hokkaido Scallop with Avruga Caviar, Gochujang Butter, Garlic Chucks is luxurious and is the most flavourful scallop. It has a creamy taste at its core, tempered with light sweet char and savoury buttery flavour, to give complexity and body to the taste. The crispy garlic adds a good crunchiness to the bouncy, succulent texture of the scallop.

Genshiyaki Grill Jumbo Tiger Prawn is slowly cooked by placing the skewered prawn besides a stack of burning charcoal. This is where I get to taste the difference in taste due to different grilling. The prawn grilled Genshiyaki way features a char that is more pronounced and intense. Prawn is tender with a good bite, moist and sweet. I love this too.

For Warayaki Grill Tataki, I opt for Australian Wagyu MB7, where ingredients with simulating taste such as Daikon, Ponsu, Shiso, Myoga are added, yielding mouthfuls of exciting, tangy flavours. The Wagyu, carefully grilled with straw, is meaty, juicy, with an extra vegetal sweetness from the straw. The sweetness of the meat is accentuated by the different elements of this dish.

Aged Breast of Duck, dressed with Gobo Purée, Tare, Fuji Apple features this incredible crispy skin, succulent texture, milky base notes and this warm savoury sweetness. It tastes so different from other ducks, in a very good way.

Chicken Tsukune and Chicken Wing are best savoured when hot. Chicken Tsukune is pillowy, meaty and juicy while the Chicken Wing has a nice crispy skin and is so flavourful. And they go so well with the raw egg yolk soaked in soy sauce.

Apple Cobbler is a nice dessert with Hokkaido Milk Ice-cream and Apple Crumble.

Thoughts: The Place I will go to for Japanese Grilled Food!

8 Sentosa Gateway

Level 1 Hotel Michael Resorts World Sentosa

Cendra Tapas Bar and Grill - Simplicity with Complexity, Awesome Pairing

I’m always in the mood for some Catalan cuisine, so when I came to know of a shiny new Español restaurant bar, Cendra Tapas Bar and Grill, and I really liked what I saw on the menu, I immediately made my reservation. And I’m so happy with my choice after a night out at here.

The food here subtly excites the palates with subtle twists for the uniqueness and subtle complex flavours. I love every dish here that features the flamboyant rustic elements of Spanish cuisine and makes me go, “Wow!”

The restaurant has this open, casual welcoming vibe as the entrance is opened all the way, where the distinction between outdoor terrace and dining area is in the decor only. So yes, this is a great, cool place to see and to be seen 😉

The outdoor terrace is flanked by lots of lush potted plants to create this idyllic atmosphere. While the dining area features posh bar vibe peppered with rustic elements of the old world feel of Spain. Stylish high chairs, modern globe-like lamps with soft yellow lights, modern open kitchen counter with sleek black backdrop juxtapose so well with the rustic theme of brown and orange finishing, bamboo blinds and smooth clay-red wall.

The service is exceptional and awesome. I’m so pampered by the excellent service crew here. They make very good recommendations and go the extra mile to reduce the portion for solo diner like me. The Chef Owner Xavier Palau is very friendly too. With all the elements well-aligned in place, I say this place is a must-visit for foodies, especially solo diners!

At my first bite of “Ensaladilla Rusa” Smoked Mackarel on Crispy Toast, the immediate impression is “Wow, The Garden meets the Sea”. The soft mild sweet, starchy, earthy flavour of the potatoes serves as perfect base for the robust briny taste of raw mackarel fish. The crispy toast, the creamy, fine gritty texture of potato and succulent bouncy flesh of the fish complement each other exceptionally. No wonder this is one of the popular dishes here.

Crystal Bread with Tomatoes features light, airy, crispy bread that juxtaposes perfectly with the juiciness of tomatoes highlighted by the lots of Spanish olive oil added. I cannot believe a seemingly simple dish can taste so amazingly good. It tastes refreshing, tangy with hints of sweetness. This is Simplicity at its best.

Iberico Ham Croquettes is so flavourful and creamy. The stretchy texture of the cheese in the ganache goes so well with the crispiness of the deep fried batter. I love it.

Mushroom Croquettes is another surprise of the day due to its rich deep earthy taste that is so distinctive and unique for croquettes. In fact, I slightly prefer the mushroom one due to its uniqueness.

Carabineros with Garlic and Parsley Oil is so perfectly cooked to the right doneness to feature succulent, bouncy and briny sweet meat, made even better and more complex with a lace of char.

Aubergine Chips with Honey and Pine Nuts is another surprise of the day. I’m not an eggplant person actually, but I find myself gushing over how good and unique these eggplant chips are. They are crispy on the outside with an amazing soufflé core. The earthy taste is made more addictive with a dose of sweet honey and the nutty flavour of pine nuts.

Chef & Owner Xavier Palau preparing my dessert 

Basque Cheesecake with Strawberry Sorbet is creamy and nutty, with hints of refreshing elements and light tart taste from the strawberry sorbet, which elevates this dessert from good to excellent.

Lovely, buttery white wine with a clean taste.

Sweet cocktail with burnt rosemary

Thoughts: Seemingly simple, but full of complexity in preparation and taste. Awesome juxtapose of textures and flavours. Lots of subtle surprises.

5 Genmill Lane #01-01

The Corner Grill - Best Curated, Artisanal Grilled Burger

The rustic quaintness of Corner Grill attracts me to here. I was expecting some nice grilled food here, but the Cod Fish Burger here blows me away with how amazingly good it is. Best burger I ever have? A definite Yes. It is not just any burger, it is an artisanal burger curated to develop layers of flavours and highlight the goodness of grilled meat.

I also love the cosy, rustic feel of the place with its red brick walls, gable roof, lamps with sophisticated, intricate patterns, and classic bow windows overlooking out onto the heritage area of Ann Siang Road from the second floor. This is like a humble little abode in Europe.

The service staff is very friendly and helpful, making this dining experience even better.

The mild creaminess of cod fish juxtaposes so well with the light char from the grilling in the Grilled Cod Fish Burger. The lemony herb mayo and roma tomatoes add the zest and richness to the meat to highlight its milky sweetness. The meat is firm, moist and flaky, going so well in texture with the fluffy parmesan bun and the crunchy fresh lettuce.

Char-grilled Octopus Salad is a very hearty dish made up of briny sweet, tender octopus, crunchy, crisp Radicchio vegetable, citrus vinaigrette, brazil nuts, shallot, garlic and orange. I love this too as it explores the full spectrum of flavours that complement one another so well.

Profiteroles is a pretty down-to-earth dessert, nice but not exactly memorable. Though I like it that the dark chocolate sauce is used instead of the usual milk chocolate type. The bitterness and intensity of dark chocolate gives it an extra edge.

Harmony Twist is a simple cocktail of volka, limoncello, syrup and freshly lemon juice, but the taste is so refreshingly good.

I never expected to be totally wowed over by a burger (I’m not into burgers actually), but Corner Grill did the unexpected and elevated burgers to be wholesome, fine mains.

This is definitely the place I will go to for burgers, or recommend for some burger good times.

Thoughts: Best Burgers!

1 Ann Siang Road

Nearest MRT: Maxwell or Chinatown

First Grill Signature & the Chilli Club - Nice Mid-range Restaurant for some Good Grill

Closed

I had passed by First Grill Signature countless of times and I did take note of it due to the striking neon light signages, but I was on a journey to try exotic cuisines so I put this place on the back burner. Until late this week where the craving for some good old grilled meat struck. And I immediately set on coming to here.

The food here is of good quality and pretty value for money. Each brunch item is less than ten bucks! But I want my grilled seafood, so I opt for ala carte instead.

Ambience is pretty funky, with Hollywood-inspired decor, such as blood red plush chairs and Hollywood Stars Walkway wall paper. Great for family, gathering and simple dates. The only thing that makes me raise my eyebrows in disbelief is the statue of Jackie Chan, whom I dislike. This is a totally personal preference. I still like the casual and hip ambience here nonetheless.

Service is good and efficient. The young chap immediately and automatically serves up some serviettes when noticing that I'm very into wiping my hands dry after squeezing the lemons.

The Josper Grilled Argentinian Prawns are huge, firm, succulent and briny sweet. The pronounced aroma of slight char plus the zest of grilled lemon makes it even better. I totally enjoy eating it.

Good old deep-fried Calamari is crispy and nice. Though can do better if is more tender. Best eaten when hot or warm.

Orange juice to go with the grilled food.

This place is great for family and gathering due to the wallet-friendly prices, huge, clean and vibrant space, and casual vibe.

Thoughts: Nice for a cool, casual meal