International Dishes

Had the weekend brunch buffet ($39++) which came with a list of tapas to choose from and free flow of juices and soft drinks. The tapas were flavourful and enjoyable – in particular the aguacate con cangrejo (a refreshing dip made from crab, scallop and avocado), calamares fritos (fried battered squid), gambas al ajillo (garlic fried shrimp), rollitos de repollo con arroz (rice, bacon and nuts rolled in cabbage, which looked and tasted more like something one would find in a dim sum restaurant). The service was also prompt. The only downside was that I was thirsty for the rest of the afternoon – perhaps it was the garlic. #BurppleXChope

The salted egg yolk chicken drumettes ($12) and the chorizo e rucola pasta ($20 for a full serving) are both thoroughly enjoyable, as is the potent tiramisu ($14) – though I prefer the cutely named Misadventures in a Jar ($16) which I had on a previous visit. What needs some improvement, though, is the service – the wait staff could have been a little more attentive. And while the selection of teas is impressive, the way the tea is infused in the teapot doesn't seem to work very well – which is evident from the light colour of what is supposed to be black tea. #BurppleXChope

I ordered Portico’s Signature Menu ($68++), with the baked cod fish as the main. While the food was exquisite, I found the portions rather too small – my guess is that the dishes on the signature menu come in smaller portions than the full-priced versions. As for the service, it could have been a little more attentive – for example, the waiter showed us to our table and then walked away without ever bringing us the menu. All that said, my lunch experience there was good, saved in part by the beautiful decor. #BurppleXChope

Enjoyed a wonderful Sunday lunch here. The duck confit that I ordered was delicious – crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. My friend ordered the Nordic breakfast, and the staff readily agreed to her request for a change from sunny side up to scrambled eggs – she later described the scrambled eggs as the best she had ever eaten! Definitely worth a return visit! #BurppleXChope

It was New Year’s Day and I was looking forward to a good first meal of the year, but my experience at Dancing Crab Orchard Central made me regret going there. I had heard good things about the crab there, but not wanting to order a crab, my friend and I decided to order the crab fried rice (pictured) and seafood jambalaya. To be sure, the seafood was good – but that was the only part of the dish that was. The rice was oily and lacked flavour, and we began to feel ‘jelak’ before we were even halfway through. What made the whole experience worse was the use of disposable cutlery and plastic cups for the self-service water – most environment-unfriendly! And to think we were imposed a 10% service charge for what was hardly service at all. #BurppleXChope

The upper floor of this bistro has a pleasant ambience. I had the sous vide chicken roulade ($22.80), which was tender enough but could have done with a little more salt. The only flavourful parts of the dish were the sautéed greens! While the staff were polite, service could have been a little more prompt, such as in the refilling of water. #BurppleXChope

Had the squid ink paella and thoroughly enjoyed it! Flavourful and with enough wok hei to give it some kick. That and the impeccable service made for a beautiful dining experience. I'll definitely be back to try the other paellas! #BurppleXChope

Having been to Jamie's several times and sticking to safer options like pasta, I decided to try the Venetian fish stew, but sans white wine in the sauce as I'm allergic to alcohol (I was pleasantly surprised that they were willing to prepare my dish with that specification). I'm glad I made this choice! It was a flavourful dish with fresh fish, squid, mussels and clams. Highly recommended! #BurppleXChope