Satisfying and Quenching hunger pangs at Slake

Hi Folks, it's been sometime since the Lions have updated a post. This is due to Cute Cute's wanderlust to visit some of his dragon (lizard) friends at Komodo Islands. So we are now back on track and roaring to explore more new places.

A pair of love cats welcome us when we visit Slake

Slake.... to quench and to satisfy.... and also the name of the new joint that replaced The Big Sheila at Swan Lake Ave. Cute Cute was there for a farewell dinner organised to send off one of his colleagues, Ms Buttercup. Looks like Slake's address, Swan Lake Ave, is apt for a farewell, we will be expecting a swan song from Ms Buttercup.

Nope, we don't come together, we just happen to be on the same boat... i mean dish.

When you step into Slake, you will notice a difference in terms of space. A lot more spacious compare to The Big Sheila, Slake has actually expanded the dining area make it look bigger and thus more seating for hunger customers. As it is our first time there, friendly Jeremy and Alicia made an effort to explain some of the food items to us. However, due to the large number of us, to make it simple, we just ordered one of each main course.

Sweet Potato Fries with Truffle oil. Seems to be the in thing nowadays due to health reasons. Crispy, sweet and unique with a hint of truffle oil smell and taste.

Grilled pearl corn. Very sweet and nicely grilled to give it a slight burnt taste.

Asian pesto chicken noodles. When it first came, the Lion thought it was a salad. But as he tucked in, he found the noodles nestled below the veg and chicken. A unique dish that consists of the savory (chicken), herbal (pesto), sweet (pomegranate seeds) and nutty.

Margherita Waffle. Why margherita? Because the waffles has tomatoes in it, just like the pizza. On top of the waffles are small scoops of bacon ice cream. Yeap... you saw it, bacon ice cream. If you have tried bak kwa ice cream, you know what I mean. Sweet and savory and if you like waffles, this is a good dish to try. 

Mr Famous's fav dish!! He immediately requested for a second serving when it's gone. Crackly pork, the roast pork dish of Slake, has a real mean bite for its skin. Crispy and chewy, the pork does have a large layer of fat but the flavors of  pork are all in it.

The Portobello Mushroom Gratin and Slow Cooked US Angus Beef. The mushroom gratin was ordinary and the taste was predictable. The Angus Beef also didn't really make the mark. Apart from being tender, the beef didn't really have the additional special taste unlike the above mentioned dishes.

Another second rounder dish, the Stuffed Squid. The squid was tender and was stuffed with soft brown rice.

74% Dark Chocolate Brownie with Vanilla ice cream. It did live up to its 74% slight bitterness but overall rather ordinary.

The Sticky Date Pudding. Texture of it is like a treacle pie, sweet and gooey.

 

The overall experience at Slake was fantastic and the staff do make the Lion feel very much at home. With cosiness and good food, what else could you ask for?

Slake

15 Swan Lake Avenue

Singapore 455711

6243 6220

Chinese Cuisine goes Luxe at LÈ Restaurant and Asian Tapas Bar

The Lion was curious about the new eateries at the revamped Suntec City so he decided to give his business associates a treat at LÈ Restaurant and Asian Tapas Bar, snapping a few quick shots in the process for his envious and drooling lioness.

Entrance to LÈ Restaurant & Asian Tapas Bar, brainchild of the
Paradise Group.

Ok, so Paradise Group decided to up the hip factor for this huge and swanky dim sum joint. It was so hipster-ish that the Lion and gang almost missed the entrance of LÈ Restaurant. He had a mini quibble with one of his associates when the person insisted that the chic bar lounge was not the entrance to the restaurant. Funny altercation aside, it was finally settled that the "elusive" restaurant was located at the end of a passageway dressed to the nines in low mood lighting that one could access from the plush bar.

Passageway to food paradise.

Too bad it was a business lunch. The ambience
seems perfect for date nights as well.

Passageway spills out to a seductively luxe and cavernous dining area.

If looks are everything to whet the appetite, the restaurant's sensual decor does an admirable job. Let's hope the quality of grub here matches up.

A golden tea pot, I wonder if you can get
a genie out by rubbing it.... 

The service was stellar; the staff was attentive in topping up empty tea cups and was spot-on on menu recommendations. The lions' business associates were suitably impressed. That's a great start.. ... The lion almost over-ordered for the hungry group. Thank goodness for staff who were honest and quick to avert disaster.

Dirty Duck.
This is no bebek betutu from Bali though.

The Dirty Duck is actually crispy braised duck
that is shredded and wrapped in handmade scallion crepe
with condiments. A dish for lazy folks, everything has
been prepared to be popped into the mouth. Less fun,
but decidedly more civilised.

Pork Siew Mai Skewers with Foie Gras. Pure decadence in the mouth.
The best part of this fusion dish is that the caramelised juice of the
foie gras seeps into the siew mai, enriching the flavours.

Wanton in hot chilli oil. A great opening dish as
the spiciness really whets the appetite for more.

Crispy Beancurd Skin Roll with Prawn.
Succulent prawns encased in golden batter fried to a crisp.
Need we say more?

Steamed Rice Roll with prawn filling
did not disappoint with its smooth skin made freshly
on site. The generous filing of crunchy prawns made sure
this tim sum dish was one of the first to be polished off
by the group.

Braised Wa Wa Cabbage in Supreme Broth.
Beautifully executed. Vegetables are usually bland
accompaniments to the main meat dishes at
Chinese restaurants but not this one.

Crispy Crystal Prawn with Wasabi.
Overall a good dish but nothing to shout about.

Stir-fried Angel Hair with assorted seafood in truffle oil.
The al dente pasta was fragrant with the generous scent
of truffle.  This is one must-order dish.

Custard Lava Bun with Vanilla Ice-cream.

Avocado Cream with Chocolate Ice-cream.

Mango Pudding with Vanilla Ice-cream.
Check out the visually entertaining presentation!

After relishing the savoury mains, the desserts seemed rather lacklustre. Presentation was appealing but taste wise... it just wasn't memorable. But if you need something sweet to end off your meal, they will do just fine.

What goes on behind the scenes...

LÈ Restaurant and Asian Tapas Bar is a contemporary restaurant that aims to modernise the Chinese fine dining scene here. Admittedly, there are some hits and misses and the lion felt that overall, prices were rather chi chi aka steep for the food presented. But with a winning ambience and top notch service, it has all the right ingredients for that all-important business luncheon and crucial first date. Besides, LÈ or 乐means "happiness" in Chinese, and with a name like this, the management has to live up to its reputation of ensuring that every guest leaves with a smile in place.

LÈ Restaurant and Asian Tapas Bar

Suntec City Mall

3 Temasek Boulevard

#02-314
Singapore

Putting on the Kilo

Bored at night with nowhere to go and staring into blank space?

Located along the lower stretch of the Kallang River, Kilo is situated at Kampong Bugis in an old industrial building that houses Loysel's Toys as well. When you first arrive, you might be wondering where Kilo is until you see a nondescript grey lift hiding rather shyly in a corner and Kilo's discreet logo beside it.

K (the two triangles) marks the spot!

As the Lions went up, they were quite surprised that the lift opened right into Kilo's cosy premises. The raw industrial feel of the restaurant with unfinished surfaces and simple cement flooring gave the place a casual but trendy vibe. Ventilation was totally au natural, a lovely change from the "canned air" that the Lions were used to in most restaurants. When dining, you can admire the view of the Kallang River and take in the cool evening breeze. This is definitely a good place for a romantic night's out.

The Lions came in a group of seven so that they could sink their teeth into a variety of food. Mr Business Times was getting hungry so in came the orders....

Fresh Figs topped with Danish Cheese, Roasted Walnut and Bacon
This fig dish was a hit with the ladies due in part to the lovely presentation.... Taste-wise it was a well-balanced combination of both sweet and salty. The chef had also artfully used bacon to simulate the figs' skin.

Laphroaig Beef Tartare with Raw Quail Egg Yolk and French Fries
Cute Cute absolutely loved this dish. Rawr! The beef was so tender and it was perfumed with a subtle hint of peaty Laphroaig whiskey. The best part was breaking the raw quail egg over the beef and feeling it go smoothly down the throat.

Squid Ink Rice with Prawn and Squid + Egg Yolk
The squid ink rice was Cuchi's favourite dish as it was umami-packed and infused with the fresh flavours of the ocean.The egg yolk was an interesting addition and it gave the dish further textural dimension.

Angel Hair with Cream of Bistro
Now this dish did not live up to the Lions' expectations but the rest of the group loved it...The Angel Hair pasta tasted rather bland to him and the small ebiko prawns did not give the dish the much-needed boost of flavor. Overall, it was alright but not a dish the Lions would order again.

Grilled Lamb Rack with Marsala Wine Sauce, Crostini and Roasted Vegetables
Cuchi found the lamb rack wonderful. It was tender and had none of the unwelcomed gaminess. The interesting sweet marsala wine sauce also complimented the lamb well.  A masterful showcase of both Eastern and Western influences.

Salmon Sushi + Crispy Chicken Skin
Finally something that everybody loved! The Salmon Sushi looked deceivingly humble but was executed with finesse. The salmon was fresh and the crispy chicken skin right smack in the middle was a delightful crunchy surprise.

Chilli Lime Spicy Pork Salad
The portion of spicy pork was generous and the mixed greens were crunchy and fresh with a refreshing hint of citrus lime.

The overall experience was memorable. The ambience was outstanding and the food fantastic. Think the Lions need to shave some kilos off their bellies before coming back for seconds.

Here is our review for Kilo:

Food Quality: 8.0 pawprints out of 10

Ambience: 7.5 pawprints out of 10

Specials that you should try: Be Adventurous!

For those who are interested in going there, here is the address:

Kilo

66 Kampong Bugis

#02-01

Singapore 338987

Tel: 6467 3987

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kilo/161743873881681