Back from Cruise! And a brief post on the food there

As someone who writes about dining experiences, it is impossible to resist writing about my food-related experiences on board Royal Caribbean. I enjoy the cruise a lot, it is a nice relaxing getaway with plenty of entertainment and recreational facilities to keep boredom at bay. So how do the food measure up to my expectations? Actually, knowing that the kitchen has to handle three thousand plus guests, I do not set my bar too high. I do feel that the crew does very well to manage that many guests and provide decent meals. Anyway, onto the restaurants!

Windjammer is where guests are treated to free flow of mainly Western and Indian food. The spread is pretty impressive, spanning over four long tables and another six standalone counters. On first visit, I do munch happily on the food due to the variety. But the thing is the spread is almost the same everyday, and it does not differ much between lunch and dinner. So for subsequent visits, I just find myself eating for the sake of eating. For breakfast, I prefer the spread here as compared to the limited one at the Dining Room. Anything that you can think of for a western breakfast, Windjammer has it. Sausages, eggs, cereals, yoghurts, bacons, hams, breads, they have them all here.

Dining Room is another place where one is not charged to have meals there. The good part about breakfast there is that you can choose a freshly warmed breakfast from a list of selections. The mini buffet spread situated at the centre of the hall is nothing to shout about—just regular stash of cereals, drinks and not-so-nice yoghurts. For lunch and dinner here, we get to select a dish from each section of the three course meals. I prefer this place is because the menu keeps changing for every meal, so I get to try different dishes every time. And most of these dishes are pretty good in taste, especially the appetizer of Scallop Gratin. For desserts, opt for the cakes and panna cotta instead of the mango rice, which is simply awful in taste due to the use of artificial mango flavour. One thing to note: bring along a set of formal clothes if you want to dine at here on the last night of the cruise, or else it is off to dining at Windjammer.

There will be staff going around to promote specialty restaurants and special set meals, and I get to try The Brunch. My verdict is unless you are interested in the kitchen tour, which is part of the package, do not bother to try out the brunch. The free flow of champagne is great, but the food is not good enough to match it. The selection is very limited, spanning over only two long tables, and the food are mostly cold. I think I rather go and eat the same old dishes at Windjammer instead, seriously.

One last tip: go early to have your meals. It will be less crowded and in the case of Windjammer, it will be easy to find seats.

Bon voyage and Bon appétit!

Kurama Robatayaki - Hearty Surprises in this Surprise Find

This restaurant is no longer in operation 

I usually have most of my weekend lunches at my regular haunts, so this kind of contributes to my lack of updates. So I am not expecting to put up any new content on this site till the end of this year as I am running low on annual leaves to go on food journeys around Singapore. And surprise, surprise, I find a hidden gem in the form of Kurama Robatayaki when shopping at Harvey Norman!

This place is called hidden gem because one cannot spot it if casually walking around the central area of Millenia Walk. This restaurant, along with other Japanese restaurants, is actually nested within Nihon Street on the 2nd floor. So just keep an eye out for a big Nihon Street signboard to find the place. Seems like recently, lots of shopping malls are into featuring exclusive areas for Japanese restaurants. Some do not work for me, while some become my favourite haunts. As for the one in Millenia Walk, I like the scenic ambience with bamboos plants lining one side of the wide corridor, and the restaurants here look promising. I had tried Saboten before at 313 Somerset, so naturally, I decide to try out another establishment instead, and Kurama does not disappoint.

The exterior is a mishmash of colourful Japanese ornaments, decorations and sake bottles, which extends to the bar area near the entrance. It does have the feel of a traditional makeshift Japanese-themed chill-out spot. And hiding behind this bar is the restaurant where the countless of white paper lanterns, some with Japanese word on them with black ink, greet the patrons. Another centrepiece of the place got to be the wooden counter that is decked with various produces. The setting somewhat makes this place looks like a nice cosy restaurant located beside the market, minus the noise, of course.

Not only is Tsukune Don a great hearty and flavourful treat, it is unbelievably value for money. At only $9.90, I get a bowl of chicken minced meat skewers, paired with egg and very well-cooked quality Japanese rice topped with seaweed flakes, bonito flakes and other seasonings. The lightly seasoned chicken is fresh and full of meaty flavour, and the half-cooked egg is prepared in such a way that a tiny pressure breaks runny thin egg white to douse the rice and tsukune in egg yolk—simple things in life can be so enjoyable.

Spicy Salmon, which is originally $26.90, is now $8.90—this is the price I remember, these may vary from the actual prices slightly, is a real steal. The fresh slices of raw salmon are glazed with a dash of spicy seasonings, which gives the extra kick to the taste. For its original price, this don is still worth a shot due to the novelty of spicy salmon and the quality Japanese rice. At the super discount, this is a must-try.

Momo: chicken thigh meat on skewers is a good choice to order to try out what the robatayaki dishes here are all about due to the attractive price of $3. The preparation of this dish is reminiscent of that of the best sumiyaki restaurant, Kazu. After sprinkles of sea salt and pepper, plus a spray of oil, and the fresh, succulent meat is off to the grill. And this works because going light on seasonings allow the flavours of grilled meat to shine through. I say the momo here is pretty comparable to the one in Kazu.

The quality of tebasaki is comparable also, but this is more expensive than its counterpart in Kazu, as do other sumiyaki items. But there are times where I will go to this restaurant for sumiyaki over Kazu when I favour better and spacious setting or I have cravings for sumiyaki during lunch time—Kazu is only opened during dinner. And the super value for money dons are worth a trip down there.

Do take note that when I put the tag "Value for Money" to this post, I am referring to the dons available during lunch. Ordering the ala carte items such sumiyaki and robatayaki items is another story.

The service is good. There is this auntie service staff is friendly and full of zest, and we appreciate this kind of great service that has a unique Singaporean feel to it.

Needless to say, this restaurant has become one of my top choices for lunch already due to the great price, variety and decent quality of food.

My Thoughts: It is one of my Favourite Haunts!

CocoMax Coconut Water

Refreshing coconut water is a great drink to enjoy in Singapore’s hit and humid weather. CocoMax coconut water is one of my favourites due to its distinctive nutty flavour.

Country of Origin: Thailand

Where to get this: All major supermarkets

One of the Best Pandan Rolls

Looks can be deceiving, and this unassuming-looking pandan roll proves just that.

It doesn’t have the beautiful pastel green hue that is like the obvious feature, or selling point of pandan cake. This is because no artificial colouring is used, which is the exact reason I decide to try the cake when passing by the temporary stall in Heartland Mall. The light green sponge is unbelievably moist and soft, and the aroma of natural pandan is very pronounced. To top it off, real Thai coconut flesh is rolled into the sponge. It works. In fact, I am wondering why didn’t any other bakers think of this. It’s a great combination! The moment I open the box, I am hit by strong aroma of coconut and pandan. Definitely one of the best pandan cakes I have ever tried.

Location: Not fixed. There is no label on the box for me to know anything about the Baker. So if you see a booth selling pale green pandan roll with real coconut flesh, I highly recommend you to get at least a box. I regret getting a box only. Should have brought more and get the contact number.

A Gift of Love for me!

Okayama Shine Muscat Grapes

I used to say Kyoho Grapes are the best grapes. Now that has changed, after I have tried Okayama Shine Muscat. Thin skin, firm juicy flesh that tastes refreshing and blissfully sweet. And a hint of floral aroma, incorporated with a touch of flavour of wine and melon is what makes these beautiful jade green orbs taste so special. A must try.

Note: There are Shine Muscat grapes from Korea and other prefectures of Japan. While these grapes spot the distinctive floral wine flavour, this aroma is not as pronounced and the level of sweetness is not comparable with that of Shine Muscat grapes from Okayama. While Shine Muscat grapes from outside Okayama are worth a try, they should not be used as benchmark for Shine Muscat grapes.

Country of Origin: Japan
Where to get this: Emporium Shokuhin (This grocer is currently not in operation), NTUC and Cold Storage

Bulla Frozen Greek style Yoghurt

The tangy taste of yoghurt adds extra zest to the ice-cream, which works for me. And the Greek style yoghurt makes for a creamier treat than other frozen yoghurt products. For the Blueberry frozen yoghurt, it is a perfect match with nutty flavour of the white chocolate.

The Boysenberry yoghurt may not be love at first taste, but I find myself liking it as I try more of it. Helps that the cone is super crunchy. Highly recommend to put it out of fridge for at least five minutes before tucking into it.

Country of Origin: Australia
Where to get this: NTUC and Cold Storage supermarkets