Modern Peking Duck, ION Orchard

I've always wondered about this Peking duck kiosk (2 Orchard Turn, #B4-75 ION Orchard, tel : +65 6509 8539) whenever I happened by. Deep inside, I was thinking that they couldn't be that great despite the queue. So I gave them a go and it was quite disappointing as Peking ducks go. The skin wasn't the least crispy and were a little chewy. My heart died a little when I saw them scraping away the bits of fat underneath the skin as they were preparing them. So the flavour as we know of them were pretty much out the window. I guess these things would be okay if you just thought of them as little duck in crepe snacks rather than Peking duck. Don't think I'll buy from them again.

Once Upon A Milkshake, Maxwell Chambers

Kko Kko Nara, Tras Street

I got curious about Korean fried chicken lately so we decided to look up Kko Kko Nara (57 Tras Street, #01-01, tel : +65 6224 8186) which is located a few minutes stroll away from Tanjong Pagar MRT.

Being uncharacteristically cautious, we grabbed a sort of sample platter for the fried chicken since we didn't really want to be stuck with something in the event that we didn't like any of the flavours. This turned out to be a good decision as the garlic sauced variety was predictable and a little boring. The spicy sweet sauce for the...well, spicy sweet option was a little too sweet. Didn't really work out for us. The most enjoyable option from the platter was the original which featured deep fried crispy battered chicken parts which weren't excessively greasy. That, I liked.

On top of the chicken we got interested in a spicy pollack roe soup.

Tai Dong Teochew Braised Duck Rice, Lorong Telok

I'm not normally one for braised ducks because of the flat pieces of meat and the boring starchy gravy, but Tai Dong's (No 9 Lorong Telok, City Front Kopitiam, tel : +65 6532 3226) Teochew styled braised duck was a different beast altogether. For starters, the sauce accompanying the duck was a flavorful herbal concoction that tasteed much better than the gooey ones commonly available everywhere else.

Boiled peanuts which I normally don't pay much attention to. I still don't.

Their take on simmered cabbages was excellent, redolent in the flavors in both the aroma and taste of dried shrimps. We enjoyed this so much that we ordered another after another. Three plates of them (amongst 4 of us) if you had lost count.

When one opts for sides along with the duck, the livers, tau kwa and boiled eggs should never be forgotten. These items contribute to the heartiness of the meal. I have little doubt that the eggs and liver helped to the "hearty" effect. The soft and piping hot bean curd paired up excellently with the herbal sauces that came with them.

The main stay of the braised duck here as I've mentioned was the flavorful herbal sauce that comes with the bird. Notice that the skin of the duck is much darker than the common braised ducks.

Rice with that meal that made me eat more of my usual intake of carbs. It's the gravy's fault.

Home made stews

Zan Ji Mixed Veg Rice, Whampoa Food Centre

After several visits which I gave this stall passes, I've finally decided to give this neighbour (Block 90 Whampoa Drive, #01-67) of Uncle Sim a go and it turned out to be a pretty good recommendation. The food tasted better than I had initially thought, especially with the simmered cabbage that was like a fresher nonya chap chye. We were also fortunate to arrive at a timing when they had just brought out a fresh batch of crunchy stir fried french beans and warm fried chicken. They had a rich curry (which I had to request separately for) to go with the rice too which sealed the deal for me. While I don't write about mixed vegetable rice often, this one was just one I had to bring up.