East

Seared Atlantic Seabass, Braised Cabbage, String Beans with Lettuce, White Wine Sauce.

From the newly-opened Manna at City Gate along Beach Road; a stone's throw away from Sultan Plaza and Golden Mile Food Centre. Serving up a variety of Western cuisine (some carrying a local influence), the Seared Atlantic Seabass with Lentils was an item that we felt was pretty decent for its price of S$16.00.

Coming with a crisp skin from the searing, the fish was still considerably flaky with some moisture being locked within; its flavour enhanced by the white wine sauce which was all savoury and buttery, while the accompanying greens such as the braised cabbage provides a familiar, soft crunch providing the local infusion for this item. The long beans further helps to provide more texture, while the lentils gave a soft bite to even things out. A pretty decent item to go for here; given how Manna is decked out, it does make for a good spot for a relaxed date or casual lunches in the day with rattan and wood furnishings with the sunlight pouring in from the full length windows on the facade — a spot that is worth considering to dine at when in the area.

No need to cross the border for delicious Malaysian-style roasts meats no more — JB's You Kee XO has opened an offshoot here on our side of the island and it's high time to call for that family dinner! Fill your belly with their sinfully good Crystal BBQ Pork Belly Char Siu ($9.80) for a perfect balance of smoky flesh and buttery fat. To cut through the oiliness, have it with a side of silky smooth Handmade Signature Beancurd ($8.80) and nourishing Night-Blooming Cereus Spareribs Soup ($12), boiled with detoxifying herbs.
Photo by BurpplerMaureen Ow