Da Mario

Found along a stretch of restaurants and bars along the quayside is this quaint little restaurant run by none other then Chef Mario himself. With a mission statement of bringing authentic italian cuisine to your table without the need to buy an air ticket, Da Mario brings with it plenty of expectations to fulfill.

Address: #01-05/06 The Quayside, 60 Robertson Quay

Contact: 62357623

Website: http://www.damariopizzeria.com/home.html

Price Range: $30 - 40 per head

Da Mario Pizzeria Ristorante Bar

Stylish Semi Interior

Simple al fresco dining is the call of the day. Although there is an interior section, its open ended with no glass doors nor walls impeding its interaction with the outer atmosphere. Seating capacity is approximately suitable for up to 30 patrons. Given the fact that the restaurant is run by only Chef Mario and his assistant, the waiting time can stretch depending on the crowd during your visit.

Calamari ($32 for 2)

The calamari, i found, was a cut above the rest. Although the batter was thick, it was sprinkled with salt and pepper for added taste. The batter is thick but crispy. I found the price for this rather steep though.

Bruschetta Al Pomodoro ($9)

Da Mario's rendition is overly oily and a little too small for my tastes. It retains much of the intended flavor but doesn't manage to impress.

Portobello Gratinato ($18)

This is worth a try. Topped with sun dried tomatoes, olives and a sprinkling of cheese. The huge portebello mushroom tastes balanced, succelent and appetising.

Capellini Regina ($20)

The Regina is essentially angel hair pasta with seafood and prawns with pinches of basil. It wasn't bad per se but came across as overly oily and had a strong resemblance to "fried bee hoon" from normal zhi ca stalls regretably.

Stuff i didn't try

Tortelli ($18)

Had a small sampling of this and i felt that the ravioli is a tad too thick for my liking, making it more chewy than usual. The filling of crab meat wasn't exactly generous either.

Omega 3 Pizza ($18)

Having tried smoked salmon pizza at Restaurant de Parma, i was quite honestly wary of this version having the same fishy taste. My worries were laid to rest after the first bite however, the salmon was possibly a little more cooked then De Parma's version which managed to rid it of any unsavory tastes while the thin crusted pizza, though charred in places, complemented the delicious fish. My vote for the better salmon pizza here.

Seafood Cartoccio ($22)

My order, which i declare as the most worthwhile order of the day. Cartoccio,which means the food is wrapped in paper, baked and then served piping hot. If you're not a tomato lover, this might not appeal to you since its tomato based and everything is literally soaked in it. Generous helpings of clams, mussels and prawns adorn the dish while the pasta is chewy and al dente.

Tiramisu ($7)

An average tasting Tiramisu with overly soft mascarpone cheese and not enough alcohol. It resembled a cake more with its generous portion size and would have faired better being called a cake.

Bill

The bill came up to $313.50 or $35 per head for this meal.

Overall score: 6.5/10

Last word:
High expectations? Definitely. And Da Mario does live up to some while missing at others, the end result is a mixed bag and i don't blame him. Regardless of what he does, he's using ingredients found in Singapore and thus, freshness and authenticity is likely compromised. Still, its an affordable little joint that can be visited for its Cartoccio.

Le Grenier à Pain

Le Grenier a Pain originated from Paris France under the leadership of Michel Galloyer. The bakery has since accumulated multiple accolades before being franchised into Singapore by Ms Ellis Noval in an attempt to bring authentic French pastries into Singapore.

Address: #01-01 Sembawang Shopping Centre Singapore 758459

Contact: 6752 7627

Operating hours – 10am to 10pm (daily)

Website: http://www.legrenierapain.com/

The pastry on sale has taken up a decidedly Singaporean flair with local favorites such as ham, bacon and even chicken curry flavors to appeal to the locals. Within it, you will find fancy named breads and cakes along with a rather high end price tag.
In terms of the pastry, i bought about $15 worth of bread with a Chocolate fondant being the more expensive item. Tastewise, its mostly above average with the bread being soft and crusty and the chocolate being of better quality then usual. Cream and custard were both light and airy without impacting its taste.
The fondant came across as average because we overbaked it and it turned out to be more chocolate sponge cake then an actual fondant.

Overall score: 6/10

Last word:
I love eating bread but i simply am not able to stomach the cost thats levied on them by this bakery. In fact, when i saw how much the bread cost, i was rather shocked that 5 pieces of bread with a chocolate fondant could cause $15. I was also unable to ascertain the reason for the cost through taste but maybe thats just a personal issue of not understanding quality bread when i have one. For me, i'll probably stick with the local brands for now.

Singapore Night Festival

July 11 and 10th was supposed to be Singapore's much touted "Night Festival". This was essentially an artistic showcase of cultures and performances for free at the Singapore Museum and the outer courtyard of SMU.
I was there partially as a curious bystander and also to enjoy soaking in the "artistic culture" of it all since it was the arts festival and all. Most importantly, i was there to see if i actually had any inkling of what "art" really is and to see if a bloke like myself can enjoy the artistic showcase they have prepared.

Museum at Night

The museum certainly took on a different charm at night with its well placed lighting. It's no wonder the place is a haven for shutterbugs.

Smu

Packed with People

The performance commences

The Sounding of Thunder

It started off pretty well with nice ambient music and a rousing commentary. The first performance turned out to be from a group of musicians specializing in drums and percussion instruments. The music certainly got us pumping but the view did not because it was completely obscured by photographers standing up and blocking the view. It's also a wierd choice for the performers to be at ground level instead of on stage.
The following performances on stage didn't fare much better since our view from the back is still nicely blocked by photographers and patrons trying to shadow the photographers to see the performance. For goodness sake, yes, we know you're trying to get good pictures but please spare a thought for people behind you trying to enjoy the same show.

The rain that washed it all away

And it rained and it rained

As the complaining continued, a quiet cumulonimbus cloud has already crept above our heads silently and began issuing warning of the rain thats about to come. True enough, the rain came in drizzles at first before it started to pour mercilessly at the performers and patrons alike. We were all drenched but the stage personnel had it worst. The cumbersome and heavy props needed to be kept and there's no other way except to brave the rain to salvage the equipment. The show has stopped and was unlikely to continue.
The rain continued to pour for about an hour or so after this.

The puppet show goes on

Kids found joy in a little shadow puppet show that carried on in the relentless rain. And as i was contemplating my luck and bad choices, the rain began to let up.

Static Artworks - The Tree

Static Artworks - The Beginning

Static Artworks - Love Tank

The attraction i never got to see in action - The Loop Of Fortune

With the rain beginning to let up, we proceeded to take some shots of the static art pieces you can see above. The displays of light amidst the darkness was comforting but not enough to brighten the dark mood that has set in my mind that day. I had come for performances and got nothing but wet shoes, smoke filled lobbies and a sense of disappointment.
The loop of fortune was a pyrotechnics showcase by PAN.OPTIKUM (Germany) which was one of the highlights of the show. Pity they staged it at a rather late time slot of 1030pm to 11pm which i was no longer enthralled enough to wait for. Given the wet situation we were in, i'm pretty sure the show did not go on as well.

In the end, the show was an unrealized potential for me on this Saturday evening. There was so much talent in there but the weather simply came along...and washed it all away.
No matter, there's always the next year for the show and i will come better prepared the next time.

Taiwan Day 7

The day that we would inevitably take the plane back to Singapore after a week short break in Taiwan. Its not as difficult as my trip to Australia but its still not pleasant. After all, i know Singapore can't beat the service in Taiwan at this time for sure and the nightlife and such will disappear the moment i set foot in Singapore. So no, it wasn't pleasant at all but life goes on.

This morning, being the last, we went for our usual breakfast and then proceeded to the underground mall to do some quick pickings. There, we discovered a Japanese Bento stall that has been right under our noses and bought some back to taste....along with sweets and biscuits from the friendly neighborhood convenience stall.

Sushi, candy and biscuits for the snack crazy

Handroll

Sushi Close Up

The sushi is actually pretty darn good. Everything was just fresh off the hands of the sushi master so it was all fresh and very tasty. In fact, we regret not having found this earlier since it was also pretty cheap, less then sgd 10 for everything here. The snacks were so-so in the end.

Departure Lounge

Live Flowers

Upon arriving at the airport and checking in our overloaded luggage, its time to explore. The lounge is pretty boring where we were at but venture further and you'll find more things to see and do. Be warned that its huge so it takes about 15 to 20 minutes to walk end to end. It took us quite a long walk to finally come to the food lounge to try, of all things, oyster mee sua and oyster pancake.

Airport Food Lounge

Oyster Mee Sua

Oyster Pan Cake

Conclusion? Never eat local food at an airport. The mee sua was terrible and lacked taste. The waiting time took about 10 minutes and we were rushing off to catch our flight by the time the pancake was ready. Also, the pancake was oooiiiilllyyyy and covered with something like ketchup. It also has this terribly soggy texture that made me nauseous after a few bites. A bad taste to leave Taiwan with for sure.

The following will be some of the stuff we brought back from Taiwan. All are gone by now.

Last thoughts about Taiwan: If you take away the problem of the warm weather, Taiwan is a beautiful place to visit with alot to do and alot to enjoy. In fact, i'm more then delighted to return again for another short trip. This is scheduled for next March at the moment and i simply can't wait to return again. In the meantime, i'll work on a better figure so i can eat more when i'm there again. Taiwan Rocks!

Taiwan Day 6

Taiwan Day 6 is mostly an ad hoc trip. Why so? Its because we're leaving the next day and wanted this second last day to be less taxing. Our past few days on 2 to 3 hour long trips across Taiwan has already drained us much and so, this is the day we'd just stroll around Taipei and get joy as it comes.

Taiwan Hospital Mrt Station

What i like about Taiwan is that you'll really see interesting things along the way. Its a melding of cultures that has on one hand, extreme modern influences while on the other hand, deep Chinese cultural rootings along with some Japanese influences. The above was found in an mrt station, talk about art anytime, anywhere.

From the super modern to the traditional

To the cultural

Love the architecture

Thats a huge whale skeleton

More interior shots

Deep Sea Gallery

Artifacts Gallery

Historical Gallery

Architectural Gallery

Taiwan Museum: The museum was interesting in a boring way. Its a beautiful place with gilded hinges and elegant, laid back atmosphere. In its halls, you'll find interesting reads about nature, architecture, history and more. Its just a nice place to go in, stroll along its halls and leave feeling a little more happy to be alive in a period where most things have already gone past its violent and turbulent beginnings. I'd allocate maybe about 1 or 2 hours for this but thats about it.

Across the street to Dian Shui Lou

Dian Shui Lou Set Meals.

Interior

Tables

Spicy and Sour Soup

We were off to a good start for lunch with this sourish appetiser. Rather thick and reminiscent of starchy shark's fin soup without the need for vinegar and you get this. In fact, if we could save sharks but consuming this, i'm all for it.

XLB (aka Xiao Long Bao)

How can we miss eating Xiao Long Bao in Taiwan? Not for the world it seems. The XLB here is simply delectable with its thin skin and absolutely tasty broth within. This might sound wierd but there seems to be less fat in the broth for this rendition as well. Anyway, this got my vote as a great tasting XLB.

Prawn Dumplings

Prawns dumplings turned out a little lackluster after the XLB. No doubt the prawns were crunchy and sweet but the skin for this was a little too thick and the combination didn't work for me.

Pan Fried Chives

After the soup, XLB and the prawn dumplings, we were pretty close to regretting our order for this since its huge. However, i took a bite and forgot that i was stuffed since the chives and fragrant dough combination actually works pretty well. Its also not oily which made stomaching it that much easier.

Custard Buns!!!

Absolutely Gorgeous

The custard buns we had last because missed seeing it in the menu at first and what a pity that was! These buns were awesome! Sweet, nectar-like and buttery custard oozed out with a single bite with its taste staying in your mouth long after its gone. The bun itself is feathery light and is gone in a second. Alas, we had only so much space in our stomachs for lunch and we had to let it go.

These birds were all huddled and watching something

And this is it!

This squirrel refused to let go

It had another friend which was too shy to stay

A sand bath?

Returning to the park, we were on our way back to the station when we saw the scenes above. How odd that the animals have absolutely no fear of people. On further probing, the old man has been feeding the squirrels and birds here for quite some time. And its an adorable showcase. Like i said, gems like these can be found anywhere in Taiwan, just keep your eyes open.

Pathway to....

This Masterpiece!

Just another ad hoc shot while strolling through the garden to the mrt. Beauty is indeed everywhere.

Takopachi! Taiwan Style

Shopping Mall Close Up

We were at some random shopping mall when we chanced upon this for a snack. Seriously though, i think its the mall business thats wrecking all the good food. This was pretty bad for me. The service for this was pretty bad, the takopachi itself was done too thick and cooled too quickly to enjoy. My fiancee found this alright though.

Ding Tai Fung!

XLB pt 2

Ho ho ho! We've finally found Ding Tai Fung in Taiwan. When i used to speak to clients in Taiwan, i was invited more then once to join them in Ding Tai Fung when i visited because they said the food here was great. The reason we ate Dian Shui Lou was also because we couldn't find Ding Tai Fung. So, was it worth the hype?
Marginally i suppose. As we were still full from lunch and the snack of bad takopachi, we only ordered their famous XLB. Believe it or not, their small little XLB's packed even more broth and had an even thinner skin. However, i prefered Dian Shui Lou's broth and serving size. DTF is still pretty good though, seeing how its packed with people at the 4pm mark. Its pretty popular with the locals too.

Shilin Night Market Take 2

Da Chang Bao Xiao Chang

A closer look

Now this i recommend at least a try but please have it on an empty stomach. The outer layer is actually fragrant glutinous rice which can be rather oily but surprisingly tasty. The inner layer is our famous Taiwan sausage which is sweet and oily all its own. Add both of them together and you have a snack suitable for splitting into 3 meals all on its own. Still, you'll be tempted to finish it all in one sitting because its just so addictive. Good stuff.

Shaved Ice

Shaved Ice Cream

This is excellent. Its reminiscent of ice cream without the cream. In its place, for my order, is the strongest peanut taste you've ever had in an ice cream. This is interlaced with some azuki beans for added texture and you have something you can't stop eating until its gone. Be warned though, i got more thirsty the more i had this for some reason. So BYOW.

Dong Dong yet again

Our Favorite Noodles

If you've followed my past few posts, this needs no introduction. We simply couldn't leave without having another bowl of this superb tasting broth and noodles. Somehow, this visit lacked the kick it provided during our first visit but we still liked the beef noodles enough to recommend yet again.

Our Spoils after 6 days in Taiwan

Being the last night in Taiwan, we decided to pile all our items bought on the bed for a good look. And it looked just like an additional 20kg to pay for going over the limit for getting on the plane. The carton and suitcase you see are both new so you can imagine how heavy and how many additional items we've bought. The next day, another carton of pastries was added to the lot you see here. Definitely trouble when we get to the airport.