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Sunday, 8 March 2015

Pollen Singapore Restaurant

Date of visit: 16.11.2014



I was crazy busy since last year Nov.  Gatherings, festive celebrations and work all crushed together.  Only managed to get a breather these couple of days.

So... please forgive me for another absurd back dated post.

This is another fine dinning, costly experience (to me) which I can't just go as and when I like (unless I strike lottery).  So die die also must show off post!

The occasion was my kid sis's birthday.  Each of her birthday celebrations, I treat it as mine as well, seriously, so I was all dressed up (like a black devil lolxx...)


Pollen Singapore Restaurant is located in Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay, serving western cuisine.
Image from www.pollen.com.sg
Like Ocean Restaurant, booking was made a month before and we emailed them the dishes we chose from the menu a week in advance.

With that previous experience, I was expecting meticulous service and bite size portions of food on big big plates.

The buggy picked us up from the entrance of Gardens By The Bay.
The driver was very patient and helped with my father who's on wheelchair.

Buggy dropped us right at the entrance of Pollen.  We felt like VIPs lolxx..  The entrance wasn't as grand as I expected it to be though...

Contemporary fittings were neat but not impressive.

Fortunately, the lush of green which is part of Flower Dome gives a zest to the whole restaurant.

Now, please enjoy the creative food presentations...
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Complimentary tibits canapes before the dinner.

Pink macarons shaped like acorns with cheese.  If I didn't remember wrongly, the pink color is from beetroot.
If the number of macarons can be as much as those decorative pebbles.....

Charcoal crackers with taramasalata (lemony fish roe sauce)

Buns with blue cheese.  The buns are soft yet springy, my favorite among the three.

Throughout the meal, we had free flow warm bread with garlic butter.

Temperature was cool like Genting Highlands, I was all prepared with a fur cape.  My sisters weren't.
The female service crew then came with a tray of shawls in different colors for my sisters.  The attentive service was very pampering indeed.

Starter - Carpaccio of Hokkaido scallops, guava, frozen apple and wasabi, dill yoghurt, seaweed oil.
S$38.00
Looked very much like a piece of abstract act on black paper.  Took me some time to find where were the scallops lolxx...  Once found, they tasted as if they just popped onto the table right from the sea, VERY FRESH!  And compliments with everything else on the plate, yums...

Starter - Seared foie gras, calamansi, white fungus, longan, chia seeds, poached quince
S$40
Foie Gras was heavenly; slightly charred on the surface, but very juicy within.  Sweetness and sinfulness exploded in the mouth at each bite, so much so that I couldn't bear to swallow.  I wanted the taste to linger longer, so tasty and too enjoyable.

Starter - Aerated foie gras, smoked passion fruit, yoghurt and mint
S$36.00
You can't see foie gras here, it all being "minced".  Texture became similiar to thai pork floss, but the fatty taste of foie gras was still distinctive.

Starter - Gorgonzola consomme, pears, port jelly, artichokes and truffle toast
S$28.00
Beautiful vegetarian starter, didn't get to try cos' it's for my sis who was having vegetarian diet during that period of time.  Portion was really small, so didn't want to steal from her.

By this time, my little nephew was restless already.  Had to bring him out of Pollen to Flower Dome to "release" his energy before he banged over this tray of alcohol besides our table lolxx...

Main - Sea bass, kohlrabi, edamame, crispy chicken skin, mushroom broth
S$64.00
Sea bass looked and taste like tofu, delectable.

Main - Loin of venison, beets, berries, pears, jumper salt
S$68.00
Melt in your mouth beef  chunks with fruits.

Main - Beef short ribs, salsify, charred onions, miso butterscotch
S$70.00
Another beef dish; I couldn't decide which was better, both were perfect!

Main - Mushroom spelt barley, Japanese pumpkin
S$30.00
Vegetarian main dish for my sis, it was also the only dish served which was filling enough.  Stole a few spoonfuls, it was creamy and yummy.

Dessert - Black Forest with cherry, pandan,chocolate, shimeji, roasted tomatoes
S$20.00

Dessert - Matcha with strawberry, sour plum, tahini
S$20.00
When this was served we thought it was a white cream cake with decorations.  Couldn't help to feel a little disappointed to realize it was a white stone with green 2 inch slice matcha cake >.<

Dessert - Pumpkin with Gingerbread, praline, banana, brown butter
S$20.00

Complimentary chocolates and gums!

The service crew introduced and explained all the dishes that were served on the table.  I was very impressed by their knowledge.  Overall, everything tasted as if they were out of the world, exquisite.  From the taste to food presentation, the high standard can't be mimicked by any other ordinary restaurants.

The only complaint would be we wished they could serve faster so that we could spend more time at the Flower Dome (admission is free for diners).

The above dishes that we tried may or may not be available by now as I suppose they will change their menu periodically.

Some photos taken 20mins before Flower Dome close at 9.30pm -___-

At 9.30pm, the buggy drove us back to the entrance of Gardens By The Bay.   The kind driver took a longer route and drove slowly so as to let us enjoy the beautiful scenery ^.^


Pollen Singapore Restaurant
Gardens by the Bay
18 Marina Gardens Drive
#01-09
Singapore 018953

Wednesday, 4 March 2015

Pince & Pints - if you love lobsters

Date of visit: 13 Nov 2014



Incredibly back dated, so I hope they maintain their standard, else this post will be redundant.

At Pince & Pints you don't have any choice other than lobsters.  If you are allergy to seafood or lobsters aren't your likings, then too bad lolxx...

You can chose your drinks though, they seemed to have quite a good selection of alcohols.

Despite of the crowd, the servicing crews were sincere and friendly (and handsome, heehee....)

I suppose it's fair since they do not have nose or ears lolxx..

Their "menu".
4 choices of Lobsters all priced at S$48++ -
* Grilled Lobster
* Steam Lobster
* Lobster Roll
* Chilli Lobster

That's all it takes to attract so much customers, it's amazing and I was dying to find out what's the catch.   

We ordered everything from the menu!

Grilled Lobster
Bouncy lobster meat with "smoky" aroma.  The fries were pipping hot, accompanied salad was fresh and crispy.  Butter herb sauce was flavorful, but the lobster was so fresh that it tasted fantastic even on it's own.  We didn't waste the delicious sauce, we dipped our fries with it, yums...

Steam Lobster
The platter looked exactly like the Grilled Lobster.  I confirm the lobster is FRESH!  Only fresh seafood can be steam else you can taste the fridge (if you know what I mean).  Meat was bursting with juiciness and intensive sweetness!

The Lobster Roll
Same side dishes, lobster chunks tossed with mayonnaise, salt and pepper, stuffed into soft buttery bread roll.  This is good for "lazy" people who doesn't want to work out with the shells and pincers, heehee...

Chilli Lobster
 Served in a big claypot, whole lobster was immerse chilli egg sauce, the same type of sauce we have for Chilli Crab at zhi char stalls.  The sauce was more sweet than spicy, thus no kick for me.  For those who have low tolerance for spicy food, this can be just nice.

The Chilli Lobster was served with little deep fried buns, we had a great dipping!

 As they don't take in reservations, we waited about 30 to 40 mins for a table,  I would say it's pretty worth the wait for such fresh lobsters and pleasant service.  $48++ totally well spend.

My blogger friends #barcodespricetag were awesome makan companions.  We snapped and snapped photos till our hearts content without guilt.   Something which I can't do with other friends, even family.
We enjoyed the dinner really much ^.^

Pince & Pints
32 - 33 Duxton Road
Singapore 089496
Tel: 6225 7558
http://pinceandpints.com/

Opening hours -
Mon - Fri: 5pm - 11pm (dinner only)
Sats: 12pm - 11pm
According to the web-site, they are open on public holidays, but time not stated.

Saturday, 28 February 2015

National Orchid Garden

Date of visit: 21.08.2014 & 31.01.2015


The first visit to National Orchid Garden was some time ago in a very rush manner within an hour.  My camera died on me and my hand phone was left with 5% battery the moment I stepped in.  It felt like dooms day really lolxx...  So I came back again, and make sure I cover every inch of this awesome garden.

National Orchid Garden is within Singapore Botanic Gardens at 1 Cluny Road.
Singapore National Orchid Garden
Opens daily 8.30am - 7.00pm
Admission Fee -  S$5 for adults
S$1 for students and senior citizens (60 years old and above)
Free for children below 12 years old

For larger map, click HERE

I am not good at flowery descriptions, so this post will be "picture-ful", captions where necessary, heehee... I named the orchids as far as their names are tagged.

Ticketing Counter
No queue at all.  But it's crowded with tourists inside the garden, especially during weekends.

National Orchid Garden Gift Gallery
Tourist souvenir shop which is at the right hand of the entrance, it's also the only exit from the Orchid Garden, ie. tourist cannot escape.  Probably too tempting as well, ang mos love orchids the way we love tulips lolxx...

Crane Fountain

The first landmark you see once enter into the garden.  Let's explore the garden from the left...

Golden Cage Display
It's more bronze than gold actually.

Tiger Orchid Fountain
Tiger Orchid haven't bloom, but never mind.

Burkill Hall

Heritage building since around 1867.  The second floor is closed during my visit.  The ground level is size of a normal living room hall with some posters and information on orchids.

VIP Orchid Garden
A garden of orchids named after politicians or royalties around the world.



Dendrobium Najib Rosmah
Orchid named after spouse of Prime Minister of Malaysia on 22 May 2009.

Dendrobium Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahamd (long name, omg...)
Named after His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahamd, Emir of Kuwait on 20 July 2004.

Vanda Usha (finally a easier name)
Named after wife of His Excellency Kocheril Raman Narayanan, Republic of India on 12 Nov 2000.

Dendrobium King Letsie III
Named after King of Kingdom of Lesotho on 27 Jan 2010.

Dendrobium Hifikipunye Pohamba (don't ask me how to pronounce)
Named after President of the Republic of Namibia on 1 Nov 2006.

Dendrobium Masako Kotaishi Hidenka
Named after Princess Masako of Japan in 1993.

Dendrobium Jean Chretien
Named after then Prime Minister of Canada on 13 Nov 1998.

Dendrobium Michael Jeffery
Named after then Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia on 10 March 2004.

Mokara Laura Bush
Named after then First Lady of US on 21 Oct 2003.

Ascocenda Yingluck Shinawatra
Named after Prime Minister of Thailand on 8 Dec 2011.  Very similar to Vanda Usha.

Mokara Seretse Khama Ian Khama
Named after President of Republic of Botswana on 23 June 2009.

Renantanda Akihito
Named after Emperor Akihito of Japan in 1970.

Spathoglottis Philippe Mathilde
Named after Princess Mathilde of Belgium on 27 Nov 2008.

Orchidarium





  

The pink "cotton buds" were holding onto raindrops, the beauty melted my heart...

This tree was being vandalize by barbarians :((

I don't understand what's the fun to crave names and whatever nonsense!  Itchy hands or what??  Don't know how to appreciate never mind, just don't ruin it!  Sigh.... 气死我。。。
Uncivilized idiots!  I don't like calling people names, but these people deserves it.

Let's continue to admire the orchids, now our National Flower -

Vanda Miss Joaqium



Heritage Orchid Display
Display of early hybrids, as early as 1930s.






It excites me whenever I see palm size flowers.

Weird flowers that face downwards, lolxx...

Vanda Mimi Palmer


Looks as if the tree is growing hair.

It felt funny when my hand run through them, heehee....



Celebrity Orchid Garden
Orchids named after celebrities around the world, only took down some whom I am more familiar with.

Dendrobium Stefanie Sun
(name after our local song writer/singer 孙燕姿)

Dendrobium Bae Yong Jun
(Korean drama Winter Sonata,  starring Korean star 裴勇俊 had gave me the deepest impression)

Dendrobium Zhou Xun
(Named after a famous actor/singer from China, 周迅)

Tan Hoon Siang Mist House
Special breeds of  orchids in here are so stunning that I can screammmmm....  I need to say that this is a MUST MUST MUST VISIT.   Displays were different on my 2 visits on different dates.












Brassavola Little Star

Aranda Bangkuntian Gold

Paphiopedilum Hybrid


Cymbidium Hybrid




HUGE palm size orchids.  Colors so brilliant they looked like synthetic flowers lolxx...






Paphiopedilum Hybrid


Yuen-Peng McNeice Bromeliad Collection
Through the generous sponsorship from Lady Yuen-Peng Mcneice, this unique collection of about 200 different bromeliads originated from Shelldance Nursery in the United States in 1994. It is the only featured non-orchid display in the National Orchid Garden.








Cool House
Temperature is only slightly lower, it's also not as big as expected.  Walked over and got done with it at it's short trail within 10 mins.






Pitcher Plant 猪笼草

Looks like banana but they aren't, not sure what they are though.

Spam selfie here.

Golden Shower Arches



Once we walked pass the arches, we were back to the entrance/exit.

Enjoy the stroll at the comfortable pace takes about 1.5hrs to 2hrs.  If you love to admire orchids and take photographs, you may need to cater more time for the visit.

Hope you guys like this orchid blooms blogpost ^.^