Grillworks Chicken – Hickory BBQ

Good Western dining at value for money prices, located in a comfortable air-conditioned restaurant with quality service and hygiene is perhaps what Aston’s Specialties can be summed up to be.

So far, I have tried the Grillworks Chicken dishes, Fisherman’s Pride, and a couple of Hot/Cold Side Dishes. And I must say I was rather impressed.

A major plus point of the chicken is that the pieces are juicy, tender, leaving a savoury taste in your mouth. Drizzled generously with the sauce provided, it almost seems like a match made in heaven. What’s best is that if you think you are one of the few who simply must lather the meat with overflowing saucy goodness, simply request for more sauce. 

Grillworks Chicken – Black Pepper with side servings of Coleslaw and Mashed Potatoes 

For most of the Grillworks Chicken dishes, the only difference is the sauces poured on it. To me, I found the Black Pepper variant a little sweet but that is without saying its spiciness is just right. The Hickory BBQ sauce was not really fantastic but if you yearn for that good old fashioned smoky taste, the Hickory BBQ Chicken might just be the one for you.

Black Pepper/ Hickory BBQ Chicken : $6.50      Rating : 4/5

Crispy Fried Fish – I must say this is very good! 

Surprise Surprise! Despite the restaurant being an almost all meat paradise, the Crispy Fried Fish (their version of the popular and traditional Fish and Chips) is just as good. I particularly enjoyed the nicely crumbed crust which gave that extra crunch in each bite. What’s more exciting is that after you get through the first bite, the sweetness of the fish flows into your mouth.

By all means, that is a perfect combination whipped up by the chef.

Crispy Fried Fish : $7.20      Rating : 4/5

Well for each set you order, you will be able to choose 2 side dishes. So far, I have tried the Coleslaw, mashed potato, french fries and the baked potato. But to what I feel, if you go there, try their coleslaw. Each bite gives that lovely crunch ( a sign of fresh vegetables ) and it is also not overly creamy. There is also another side dish by the name of Tasty Rice. Hmmm, I wonder how tasty it really is.

There is definitely more to try at Astons Specialties, and so far I have been impressed. If the chicken and fish dishes are already at that standard, will it be the same for their Steaks and Chops? Well, till my wallet is full again, Aston’s just wait for me.

For more information visit : www.astons.com.sg 

View Full Album

Butterfly pollinating flower – A beauty in a standstill 

Today is the eve of the Lunar New Year and like any true blue Singaporean, my mum went for a last dash to secure some more flowers to decorate my grandma’s house. Well at the flower garden, or rather the pasar malam flower shop lookalike, I noticed plenty of butterflies flying around in a sort of flying manner. The feeling that one gets is almost inspirational and obviously I had to retain a snapshot of such memorable moments.

And as you can see from above, I managed to take a shot of a butterfly pollinating a particular flower. How nature seemingly pauses for the moment in time – truly remarkable.

Enough about nature, I think the more fun part about this post is about the Hong Kong delights I discovered at the Wan Chai Hong Kong Teahouse at the newly opened Sembawang Shopping Centre.

Boiled dumplings in soy and chilli oil

I tried out a variety of dishes and some of which I must recommend are the Boiled dumplings in soy and chilli oil, Braised beef brisket and tendon and the Deep fried eggplant with pork floss.

The boiled dumplings in soy and chilli oil proved to be a favourite of mine. I enjoyed the richness and freshness of the filling within and with the chilli oil smothered generously over the tender dumpling skin, it was the zenith in every bite.

Price : $6.80 for 5 pieces     Rating : 4/5

Braised Beef Brisket and Tendon

Its not everyday that one would come across a shop selling braised beef brisket, but this particular one I sampled at Wan Chai was close to marvelous. Now I chose the phrase ‘close to marvelous’ is not because the dish did not hit the spot,but I found the broth to be a tad too salty. Other than that, the serving was generous and plentiful.

For the price of $9.80, and couple it with a bowl of white rice, yummy!

Rating : 4/5      Price : $9.80

Deep Fried Eggplant with Pork Floss

Unique creation on the alert! For you eggplant lovers, you will enjoy this tasty serving of mouthwatering eggplant in a crispy skin with delectable pork floss drizzled all over.

However being a simple dish priced at $6.00 is perhaps in my opinion a little too expensive. But considering the fact that most vegetable dishes at restaurants are $$$, this variant might just be another alternative for you.

Price : $6.00     Rating : 3.5/5

With about 4 other outlets scattered across Singapore, Wan Chai Hong Kong Teahouse might just be the next upcoming quick casual Chinese dining for the younger and young at heart generation. There are more delicacies offered such as the more popular Baked Cheese Rice/noodles (but which in my own opinion deserve better treatment from the chef) Other than that, Wan Chai Hong Kong Teahouse is definitely an establishment I will return to every now and then for affordable Chinese/Cantonese cuisine.

A Merry Christmas to all readers! May this day be one of special occasion for you and your loved ones.

We had a buffet Christmas dinner at Orchard Park Hotel and at the same time celebrated my mum's birthday. I wouldn't say that the buffet spread at the hotel was fantastic, but the ambience was warm and comfortable, and to be with your loved ones on this special occasion, I think that is more than enough.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Christmas lights along Orchard Road

King Crab Bento - It tastes like crab. Fresh Crab!

First and foremost, it has been an extremely loooong time since I last posted and I apologize. Been away doing my National Service, so I can only post stuff when I am back home. This post was supposed to be up about a month ago but no worries, all the stuff here except the King Crab Bento (seasonal food fairs only) will be available at Liang Court. Oooooo...I'm craving for Japanese curry again...O.O

I must say that the Japanese King Crab Bento Set came with a high price to pay for. I believe I paid for its food, its airport fare, its water...etc etc.

Texture of the meat was a little tough (as compared to the fresh King Crabs you get in Japan), but the serving is quite generous as expected of its price.

I enjoyed the sweetness of the meat and the ocean taste lingering in my mouth. If you are a crab lover just coming out of the closet, this might just be what you are looking for. Rating 3.5/5 *Note : This dish is sold seasonally

Generous portions with a sweet aftertaste in the mouth.

 Japanese Curry. Excellent!

Japanese curry has never appealed to me in name. I always thought that curry was always done best the traditional way and honestly after my first taste test, mmmmm =)

The curry was smooth and not grainy, almost like a thick gravy. It was a little spicy, a little sweet and a little tangy, all deliciously fused together.  From $10.80 onwards, you can try out different kinds of Japanese curry served with different kinds of meat and styles. An enormous amount of meat for the meat lover, and once served with Japanese rice, you are good to go.

Rating 4/5

Liang Court is the way to go for Japanese stuff (served exquisitely at its basement level). There were a couple of restaurants which caught my eye and I will definitely go back to finish my hungry assignment. Till then.