Talking Evilbean : November 2015

Christmas Buffet 2015 - Street 50 Restaurant and Bar! Win GOLDHEART Jewelry!

Christmas Buffet at Street 50 Restaurant & Bar

You know, when people wish you to have a "dazzling Christmas", they don't usually mean it.

However, at Street 50 Restaurant & Bar this year, they really do want to dazzle your Christmas by giving you diamonds! All you have to do is to feast at their Christmas buffet and you will stand a chance to dazzle your Christmas with a GOLDHEART diamond jewellery set worth over $2000!

Here are some of the food that you will be able to feast on:

Soda Gembira ($6)

Street 50 Restaurant and Bar - Soda Gembira

This is not included in the buffet, but I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this to start your buffet night. This Soda Gembira is the "bandung that sparkles" - rose syrup, evaporated milk and soda. Yes, fizzy bandung! It has just the right amount of sweetness with a rich, aromatic rose aftertaste, yet light enough to whet your appetite. This was so good, I ordered like 2 right at the start.

Salmon Carpaccio with Coriander & Pine Nut Vinaigrette

Just "whack" this at the buffet. It's salmon. And it's awesome.

Smoked Oyster & Crab Cake

Christmas is coming! ☃ Here's the Smoked Oyster & Crab Claw drizzled with snowflakes from their festive buffet menu at Street 50 . Imagine biting into a crispy, golden exterior and sinking your teeth into the oysters within, while the flavours of the crab cake spreads in your mouth. IT'S A BUFFET, so you can take as many as your belly can handle ! Thank you @Street50SG and @aloysiusnoo for the invite!

A photo posted by Joey Ching How (@evilbean) on Nov 14, 2015 at 1:45am PST

My personal favourite for the night was this Smoked Oyster & Crab Claw. Imagine biting into a crispy, golden exterior and sinking your teeth into the oysters within, while the flavours of the crab cake spreads in your mouth. OHHHH SO GOOD. Hoard this dish at your buffet.

Like really.

Guard these tightly.

Black Pepper Alaska Crab Claws with Gingko Nuts

It is quite interesting to see ginko nuts being added into crab dishes. As you might know, ginko nuts are quite expensive in Singapore, and they boast a plethora of health benefits like preventing Alzheimer's and other degenerative brain disease. The Alaska crabs are cooked with black pepper, which can be quite addictive if you love your crabs spicy.

Bay Scallop with Warm Tomato Essence

Out of oysters, clams, mussels and scallops, I love scallops the most. They are easy to eat and they occasionally taste like abalone. Heh Emoji

The scallops were firm and chewy in texture, and the tomato essence washes down the taste of the seafood with its tangy, sweet flavours.

Seafood Paella

Look at the amount of seafood that were served with this paella! I thought the rice was a bit bland, but I am not really a huge fan of paella either. Plus, who eats rice in a buffet right?

Tandoori Turkey Breast

It is not Christmas without a turkey, although, honestly, I still prefer chickens. But still, you know, it's Christmas, so you gotta have a turkey.

Besides, the Pineapple Salsa and Cucumber Coriander sauces that accompanied this turkey were actually pretty good in lifting the otherwise bland and dry taste of this big bird!

Crepe Suzette with Mandarin Orange

I did not really like this as I found the crepe a bit too "nua"(soft) for my liking. However, the flavour of the mandarin orange was quite refreshing after a heavy meal.

Besides these dishes, there are also fresh seafood, Langoustine Perfumed with Thai Pomelo Salsa, Asparagus Barigoule, White Fungus & Bay Shrimp, Baked Prawns with Redcurrant and Ginger Compote and many other dishes that will definitely make you feel that your money is well spent. PLUS GOT CHANCE TO WIN DIAMOND. Where else can you find something like this?

If you still do not have any Christmas/New Year plans, Street 50 Restaurant and Bar is the place for you.

Festive Buffet Dinner 2015

24 & 31 Dec: $68++ per pax, $32++ (Child: 6-12 yrs)

25 & 26 Dec, 1 & 2 Jan: $58++ per pax, $28++ (Child 6:12 yrs)

Make your reservations by calling 6818 6681.

Card Promo: Maybank Credit cardholders dine free with every 2 paying adults!

For more information, visit www.bayhotelsingapore.com or their Facebook page.

Street 50 Restaurant & Bar - Christmas Buffet 2015

Street 50 Restaurant & Bar (Bay Hotel Singapore)

50 Telok Blangah Road
Singapore 098828
Nearest MRT Station: Harbourfront
Tel: +65 6818 6681

Opening Hours:

Mon - Sun: 6:00 AM - 4:00 AM

No comments

, by Evilbean

Tips and Advice

A Story about Freedom

A wild horse was born on a small grass ranch, on a day where the morning sun shone the brightest and the cool spring wind swept away the remaining leaves that fell during winter.

The first few years of his life were carefree. He would wake up just as dawn breaks, and chase the little morning birds around in his ranch as his morning exercise. He would then head to the nearby pond for a refreshing dip in the cool water, before feeding on the tender grass that are moistened with morning dew.

He would then catch an afternoon nap in his grass shed, and wakes up again just as the sun paints the skies with an orange-purple hue.

He enjoyed the feeling on running freely, and would gallop round and round in his ranch. The exhilarating adrenaline of watching the world whirring around him, as he went faster and faster, made him giddily happy. He would only stop running when the crickets came out to sing his bedtime tunes for him.

As he lays in his shed, with the moonlight casting its white blanket over his body, he would think about his day and anticipate eagerly about the next. Every night, he would make a wish for the morning to come a little bit faster, before he drifts off to sleep.

But as life would have it, freedom does not last.

A few years went by. Soon, the pond was drying up and the grass in his ranch stopped growing. He could no longer do what he liked as his food and water started depleting. To conserve his energy, he had to stop his morning and evening runs, and whiles his entire day away resting in the shed.

Away from the sun.

Away from the ranch.

Away from the world.

The horse grew more lethargic as the days went by. The chirping birds in the morning were starting to get on his nerves. The remaining water in the pond felt warm and musky. The evening sun sets quickly and darkness takes over the world in a blink.

He had to do something.

Mustering his remaining energy, he left his shed in search for a place with food and shelter.

After walking for an hour, he caught a whiff of fresh grass wafting through the air. Like sparks that suddenly erupted into a fire, the horse felt a surge of energy through his body and galloped towards the scent.

He stopped in front of a tall, wooden door. The smell was coming beyond this door. He knew he had to get in, but he did not know how. Filled with a sense of desperation, he broke down in tears and neighed loudly at the sky.

Suddenly, bright lights pierced the darkness and momentarily blinded the horse. Two shadows murmured something in front of him, and then led him into the place. That night, the horse felt alive again. He fed on the fresh grass that was given to him, and was rejuvenated by the smell of lavender that filled the air as he was scrubbed and washed with cool water. That night, after a very long time, he made his night wish again.

The next day, he was jolted wide awake by a sharp pain across his body. A figure was standing in front of him, sneering and mumbling something. The figure then climbed onto his back, which was already fitted with a brown, leather saddle. Another sharp pain burned through his body, and the horse started to gallop around in hope to numb the sting.

For awhile, the long whip that was causing the pain did not land on his body. Just as the stinging sensation start to subside, he felt the pain sear through his body again. He galloped as fast as he could, hoping that the adrenaline from his speed will help ease his pain. After what seemed like eternity, the figure finally got down from his back. He was then led back to his shed, when he saw a huge sign with the words "Animal Amusement Park" written in red paint just outside the tall, wooden door.

As he was about to fall asleep, he was again jolted awake with the burning sensation. Another figure climbed onto his back. Somehow, he knew he had to gallop around the place in order for that whip to not land on his body. This cycle continued for another 5 times throughout the day, before the place started to quieten down as the evening sun disappears into the horizon.

That night, the horse lay awake under the moonlight. In exchange for food and shelter, the horse gave up on his freedom. However, he thought that at least he had more energy now. He could gallop and run around, albeit not on his own terms. He assured himself that food and water are more important to him now. Galloping around a ranch will not make him as happy as having fresh grass, cool water and a well maintained wooden shed over his head.

That night, the moonlight on his body felt like a catalyst to his bruises and scars. Before he drifted off to bed, he wished that the morning come just a little bit slower. He could use more rest to heal his battered body...

This daily cycle continued on for the next 5 years, and the horse had a body full of internal injuries due to incessant whipping, and two distorted hooves from all the rides on his back.

As he lay awake on the night 5 years since he entered this place, he felt the same sense of despair he had felt on that night where he stood outside the tall, wooden door. He had traded his freedom for survival, but was his life any different now?

Instead of looking forward to each day, he were wishing for the nights to last longer. Instead of feeling happy, all he felt every day were pain and misery. As he thought about his life now, he could not help but neighed into the night, his haunting cry reverberating in his shed several times louder. On this particular night, he did not make his usual wish.

The next day, the morning sun shone brightly and the cool wind seemed to sweep away the pain in his body. Despite hearing the sound of the whip crack on his body, he did not feel the familiar burning sensation. As usual, a figure climbed onto his back and instinctively, he started to gallop.

"Crack!" The whip landed on his body again.

This time, however, he did not pick up speed.

This time, he neighed loudly and stood on his 2 hind hooves aruptly. The figure tumbled down from his body and was making a lot of noise. The horse then trampled over him, which stopped the irritating noise. As he galloped freely and wildly in the compound, he felt the much-missed adrenaline coming back to him. The screamings surrounding him became distant as he once again felt the world whirring around him. He laughed happily as joy permeated in his body, dissolving all the pains and stings on his battered body.

Suddenly, the big, well-built park ranger stopped him in his tracks by holding him on the reins that were fitted alongside with his saddle. The horse then felt the pair of strong hands on his neck. As he close his eyes for what he knew was coming, he made his last wish: for this coming darkness to be eternal.

And with a great force, the ranger snapped the neck of the horse into two.

1 comments

, by Evilbean

5evilbeans

Imakatsu Boat Quay - Best Mentaiko Pork in Town!

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, by Evilbean

Food Reviews

[Singapore] Food Review - Andong ZzimDak at Raffles City!

Singapore - Andong ZzimDak at Raffles City

There were 3 Korean food that left a lasting impression on me when I last visited Korea:

1. (Cheese) Dak Galbi

I couldn't stop craving for this when I came back to Singapore. Before Yoogane was brought in, I looked everywhere for this Cheese Dak Galbi. I almost broke down in tears when I finally got to eat it at Yoogane Singapore...

I mean, it's almost $20 in Singapore but only 6,000 won in Korea...

2. Samgyeopsal

Before I knew anything about Korean culture, I never thought that eating meat with vegetables can be so... satisfying. After I experienced Samgyeopsal (pork belly, usually cooked on grill), I now wrap my meat in vegetables and enjoy the feeling of stuffing them into my mouth:

3. Jjimdak

There is something about these sweet potato noodles that is incredibly addictive. Tossed together with spicy soy-based sauce and steamed chicken, this is a dish that you will fall in love with at first sight, or in this case, at first taste.

Knowing that I miss the jjimdak from Korea, the people behind Yoogane brought in the very first Andong Zzimdak to Singapore, which is conveniently located at Raffles City Shopping Centre! Yay!

Iced Citron Tea ($2.50)

Andong Zzimdak Singapore - Iced Citron Tea

I like how they mash up the citrons, which helps to release the flavour of the citrus fruit into the drink.

Makgeolli ($19.90)

The best drink to go along with the Jjimdak would be Makgeolli. For those that is unfamiliar, Makgeolli is a lightly sweet alcohol that is usually made from rice, and served on a wooden or tin bowl. It goes really well with food like seafood pancakes and spicy food, as its mild sweet taste helps to cleanse your palette.

You definitely have to order at least one bottle when you are here.

Kimchi (Free)

Their kimchi had a good pickled sour flavour and it wasn't too spicy, which is probably good for people who cannot take spicy food. However, it was a little too soft and mushy. I prefer my kimchi to have a bit of crunch.

Spicy Dokboki ($9.90)

Andong Zzimdak Singapore - Spicy Dokboki

There aren't many restaurants in Singapore that makes good dokboki. Most of which I have tasted were frozen and hard, as if they came straight out of the freezer.

I am so glad that Andong Zzimdak treat their dokboki seriously.

Their Spicy Dokboki was so soft and chewy, and the accompanying dokboki sauce had a good spicy flavour. The rice cakes absorbed the sauce so well, you can even taste sweet and spicy flavours on the inside. One of the better dokboki in Singapore!

Mini Seafood Pancake ($9.90)

Andong Zzimdak Singapore - Mini Seafood Pancake

This has gotta be the cutest version of Seafood Pancake (Haemul Pajeon) I have seen! Served in mini crabcakes-size (as opposed to the usual huge pizza-like-size), these haemul pajeon were fried to a good crisp on the outside and were not that oily. The addition of lemon gives the seafood batter a good citrusy kick, making it a good, appetising snack to munch on while waiting for our main course.

At Andong Zzimdak, the menu is kept simple with just 4 choices for the Jjimdak: the original Andong Jjimdak, Boneless Jjimdak, Seafood Jjimdak and Mayak Jjjimdak. No more tearing out your hair, especially for those horoscopes that take ages to make decisions. Yeap, I am talking about you Aquarians and Cancerians.

We ordered 2 of their Jjimdak: the Seafood Jjimdak and Boneless Jjimdak.

Before I continue, I would like to issue you a challenge:

The Evilbean challenges you to keep your mouth closed when they serve you the Jjimdak.

I bet all my beans that you will most likely fail this challenge (unless you are Hello Kitty),

"Are you making fun of my non-existent mouth again?"

and that's because THEIR JJIMDAK IS HUGE.

Seafood Jjimdak (M: $52.90, L: $65.90)

Andong Zzimdak Singapore - Seafood Jjimdak

A blend of spicy Jjimdak sauce with chicken, prawns, mussels, squid and mushroom, I thought this was a seafood feast for the Korean Sea King.

"Annyeonghaseyo!"

Although they state that the medium size is for 2-3 pax, I thought the portion was more for 5-6pax. It was as if the chicken were respawning themselves in the plate, because they just kept appearing amongst the bed of mussels and prawns no matter how much we ate.

Boneless Jjimdak (M: $49.90, L: $59.90)

Andong Zzimdak Singapore - Boneless Jjimdak

[NEW!] How about a HUGE PLATE of steaming hot Boneless Jjimdak in spicy ganjang-based sauce on a chilly Friday? YEAP BONELESS, lazy people rejoice! The queue is insane though, so go early! #4evilbeans #andongjjimdak #andongzzimdaksg #koreanfood

A photo posted by Joey Ching How (@evilbean) on Nov 6, 2015 at 12:04am PST

Lazy people like me loves these 2 words in the food menu: De-shelled and Boneless. Imagine my joy when I saw this Boneless Jjimdak in the menu! I seriously think that bones spoil the eating experience - imagine spitting out your bones, saliva and all, on your sharing plate every 10 seconds. And your hands are all greasy. HOW IS THAT EATING?
I am so glad that Andong Zzimdak has this Boneless Jjimdak. The chicken was braised nicely with the jjimdak sauce, and the meat was pretty tender. The sweet potato noodles were chewy and addictive, the texture similiar to the "tang hoon" (冬粉) we are used to having.

Eating Tip: The sweet and savoury sauce of Jjimdak goes very well with a bowl of rice. Do order a bowl of rice when you are having your jjimdak!
From what I heard from friends and from sources online, Andong Jjimdak, which originated from the city of Andong in Korea, is supposed to be very spicy. The spiciness is supposed to come from "dried whole red chili peppers and fresh fiery hot green peppers called Cheongyang gochu". The Singapore's version is very mild in terms of spiciness, and even their Level 3 Mayak Jjimdak had no kick for me. Therefore, if you come here to reminisce the spicy flavours you had in Korea, you might be slightly disappointed.

Andong Zzimdak is aware of this, and I think that they are probably tweaking on their recipe. There is also rumour that they will be bringing the popular fruit sojus to Singapore soon, which will be a great hit amongst Soju lovers here. I am so looking forward to that!

Jjimdak Rating (out of 5 Evilbeans):

(4)

Andong Zzimdak is by walk-in only, and the queue can get really long at dinner times, so try to get there early. They also do takeaways, but you would have to go down personally to make your order. But, you can always try calling them if you have a sexy voice. You never know, they might make an exception for you.

Andong ZzimDak @ Raffles City

B1-44F Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Road
Singapore 179103
Nearest MRT Station: City Hall
Tel: +65 6533 3951

Opening Hours:

Daily: 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Thank you Owl City Singapore for the invite and Andong Zzimdak for hosting us! For more information, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/AndongZzimdak/?fref=ts

2 comments

, by Evilbean

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Christmas Buffet 2015 - Street 50 Restaurant and Bar! Win GOLDHEART Jewelry!

A Story about Freedom

Imakatsu Boat Quay - Best Mentaiko Pork in Town!

[Singapore] Food Review - Andong ZzimDak at Raffles City!

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