Le Steak Part II

**This visit was in April and some items may not be available anymore apparently**

The funny thing about my first visit to Le Steak was that I didn't have any steak!
I had the Braised Short Rib which was so-so and the Lemon Curd Tart which I really enjoyed.
But hey, when you go to a place called Le Steak, you gotta have steak am I right?

So I returned with the a whole gang of meat eaters (aka my family) for the 2nd round and to see if all the hype was well deserved or not.

Mushroom Soup ($4.00)

The Mushroom Soup was actually pretty good! Nice and hearty flavour. Definitely the type that you mushroom lovers will enjoy. You can see from the picture that it's nice and thick so none of that watery stuff here.

But after all, we are here for the meat so let's get it on!

So at Le Steak, the have 2 different categories of steak you can choose from.
One is the 'Le Steak Specialties' and the other is the 'Le Premium Cuts'. So what's the difference?
The 'Le Premium Cuts' the higher end premium grade cuts of meat which also means they're priced higher. It's not to say that 'Le Steak Specialties' cuts are not good cuts... But the reality is that they have different grade of meat.

Australian Wagyu Ribeye MS6 ($48.00)

Wagyu beef is undoubtedly the toppest of the tops when it comes to meat and one of the best premium cuts anywhere you go to have steak. Special attention to your cows = better meat and apparently there are none better than Wagyu.

What exactly is MS6 though?
MS stands for Marbling Score and 6 is the score this meat is graded on a scale of 1-12.
The higher the score, the better the meat.

This is actually the most expensive steak on the menu so we thought we'd give it a try!

Dad. Mein Bruder and Yana had the Wagyu and it was pretty okay. You can definitely tell it's a premium grade meat with a fair amount of fat in the meat. Seasoning was pretty okay too actually. The only gripe we has is that we though the steak would be a thicker cut.

They actually ordered their meat to be cooked 'Medium Rare' but as you can see, it was closer to 'Medium'. Hmmmmm....

PS Ribeyer ($28.90)

Mum had the PS Ribeye which is under the 'Le Steak Specialties' category.
Again, the seasoning of the steak was fine which gave it a nice flavour but you can still enjoy the flavour of the beef which we look for when we enjoy steak.

Mashed potatoes were a bit disappointing though.

Prime Tenderloin ($28.90)

I've always been very fussy about my steak (like pretty much all my food) and even though I may not be a purist or an expert when it comes to steak, I guess I at least know how to enjoy the food I like.

This was not the worst steak I've ever had (believe me I've had worse...) but I guess maybe I was expecting more? Or maybe I was disappointed because....

When you go to a place called Le Steak, I'm gonna assume they specialize in cooking steak.
And I know that the preferred for most steak purists is 'Medium Rare' or maybe even 'Medium Well' at most. Well, I'm a 'Well Done' kind of guy and when I ask for 'Well Done', I expect to be served meat that is cooked 'Well Done'.

Err.... that is not Well Done.

Dutch MilkFed Veal Rack ($35.90)

My Darling Wife made the genius decision of trying something new and ordered the veal!
And it was a good decision too because the veal was excellent! It was tender and succulent and juicy and definitely worth its price in the ''Le Premium Cuts' category.

She asked for a 'Medium Well' and it was cooked for the most part but not evenly.
But I agree with her that the veal was definitely better than the steaks (somehow).

Le Steak also has items like Burgers, Pasta, Chicken and Seafood dishes in case steak is not your thing. And don't forget the Braised Short Ribs like the one I had the last time.

Goody Waffle with Maple Syrup and 1 Scoop of Ice-Cream ($7.90)

So this was a crispy/crunchy waffle FYI. I actually find it very plain despite the ice-cream and the maple syrup. Maybe they might consider throwing some whipped cream on there and maybe a cherry on top to make it a little more... well... standard.

Chocolate Lava with Vanilla Ice-Cream ($10.90)

**This item no longer available**
You guys know what a Chocolate Lava Cake is right? The cake where they have molten chocolate in the middle so when they heat it up, it will flow out like molten lava when you dig into the moist chocolate cake.

Err..... where's the lava???
Definitely not what we were expecting. Unless we were expecting a big disappointment.
The Chocolate Cake (or more like muffin) was okay but hey where's the lava???

Creme Brulee ($6.90)

After what looked to be one of the more disappointing meals in quite awhile, thankfully we got some respite with the Creme Brulee.

It was just the right amount of sweet and creamy too.

There are even little bits of raspberries in there which give you a nice tart contrast to the sweet and creamy custard. Definitely the best thing we had that evening!

Adam's Verdict:
Prime Tenderloin 1.5/5 -- Goody Waffle 1.5/5 -- Chocolate Lava with Vanilla Ice-Cream 0.5/5
Creme Brulee 4/5
Maryah's Verdict:
Dutch MilkFed Veal Rack 4/5 -- Goody Waffle 3/5
Chocolate Lava with Vanilla Ice-Cream 2.5/5

Azlan's Verdict:
Australian Wagyu Ribeye MS6 2/5 -- Chocolate Lava with Vanilla Ice-Cream 1/5
Creme Brulee 3/5

Yana's Verdict:
Australian Wagyu Ribeye MS6 2/5 -- Goody Waffle 2/5 -- Creme Brulee 3/5

Dad's Verdict:
Australian Wagyu Ribeye MS6 3/5

Mum's Verdict:
Australian Wagyu Ribeye MS6 2.5/5

I have read many reviews about Le Steak. Some good and some not so good. But that's pretty usual I guess with any eating establishment. I did however agree with some of the reviews I read about the staff at Le Steak.

No, we didn't get any rude or snide remarks like other diners apparently encountered but it was pretty obvious that they were not trained very well and lacked initiative. I wouldn't say it was a very busy night at Le Steak but the wait staff not only seemed to be taking their time but also at least they can take notice and speed it up when someone calls you for assistance right?

Oh well, can't really blame them because they look like they are part-timers anyways but it really is a big turn off when you meal is not up to your expectations and the staff there make the experience all the more dreadful.

I know there's more on the menu but I'm not sure if we will ever got back to Le Steak again.

image from http://steakandco.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/degrees2.jpg

And just so you know why we were unhappy with the done-ness of our steak, check out the shart above and tell me if you think we got what we ordered.

Maybe next time we should request for Chef Amri to cook our steak. LOL just kidding.

Le Steak

248 Jalan Kayu

Tel: 65563588
www.lesteak.com.sg

Operating Hours:
3.00pm til 11.00pm (Mondays to Fridays)
12.00pm til Midnight (Saturdays & PH Eve)
12.00pm til 11.00pm (Sundays and PH)

Fish & Co

I remember the big fuss when Fish & Co opened in Singapore all those years ago.
Seems like not so long ago but that was 1998! About 15 years ago! Well it wasn't always certified Halal because they did serve alcoholic beverages along with their famous seafood but no worries about that now!

And I know that a lot of people would label Fish & Co as one of those restaurants that is overrated and would rather avoid but I guess it's not so bad in my books and I quite like it to be honest.

Well we are visiting their flagship store at Glass House in Dhoby Ghaut and hoping for a good hearty meal! I remember all the fanfare when they first opened at Glass House and would make regular visits there with family and colleagues especially since we were all working in the area!

Well, that was a pretty long time ago and plenty of people have given feedback about Fish & Co over the years. Some good. Some bad. But hey that's the same with a lot of places right?

Well I'm hungry so let's start with some appetizers shall we?

Mushroom Soup ($4.50)

I know that doesn't look very spectacular but hey I have to include the soup right?
We actually ordered the Soup of the Day and it happened to be Mushroom Soup today.

Despite it's rather pale colour, it actually tasted okay. There were bits of mushroom here and there with a nice earthy and warming taste. I guess if they would only do something to improve the look of it.
But having said that, it's definitely an improvement from the time when they used to serve their soup in teacups. (Does anyone else remember that?)

Anyways, I personally prefer their Chowder (either fish or clam or seafood)

Fried Calamari ($9.95)

Now this is a MUST HAVE especially if my Brother is around!
I think this might actually be one of the best things that they serve at Fish & Co because it's deep fried, tasty and simple enough for everyone to just pick up and enjoy!

The coating is seasoned really well and makes it really tasty with a really crisp bite when you chomp down.
The calamari itself is succulent and not at all rubbery. Goes great with the accompanying mayonnaise!
 And if you're not a fan of the deep fried, they also have Grilled Calamari!

Soft Shell Crab Salad ($11.95)

Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken ($9.95)

We also decided to try some salads to make it a complete meal.
After all, we're supposed have 2 servings of vegetables a day right? :P

The Soft Shell Crab Salad was err... interesting to say the least.
As you can see from the picture, the batter coating on the soft shell crab was really really thick. No doubt it was crispy but you end up having to bite into more batter than crab. I guess some might like it but I guess I personally prefer a little less batter. And as you can see, besides the soft shell crab, the salad itself it pretty basic.

And as for the Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken, sigh.
Yeah sure you get a rel nice big serving of the grilled chicken but because of the hot chicken, the salad below kinda gets.... disappointing. And it's so oily!

Look at how the lettuce leaves have wilted because of the heat from the grilled chicken!
I'm definitely all for a nice hot meal but this might be the first time that I've had a salad where the accompanying meat was so hot that the salad leaves wilted. I'm not sure if this is how it is at all their outlets but this is good if you're going more for the chicken but not if you're hoping for a nice crisp salad.

Crispy Whole Line Fish ($19.95)

This has recently become one of my favourite things to have when I visit Fish & Co.
(It used to be the Swordfish Collar everytime in the past by the way)

Imagine a whole barramundi (which is pretty much like a seabass aka siakap) coated and depp fried til it gets super crispy on the outside but still remains nice and tender and flaky on the inside. You then get to choose if you want to top it off with Sambal OR Lemon Butter Sauce!

I really love the crisp on this fish and when they serve it hot and you peel the flesh back your appetite really gets going! I normally choose the Sambal because I think it goes well. The Sambal itself is not super spicy nor is it the sweet type so it goes well with the fish overall.

When you order, you also get to choose 2 sides to go along.
Either rice, chips, coleslaw, mashed potatoes or stewed vegetables. I always choose the rice (so-called makan nasi with ikan lah konon) and then add it up with either some potatoes or coleslaw. Perfecto!

Adam's Verdict:
Mushroom Soup 2/5 -- Fried Calamari 4/5 -- Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken 2.5/5
Crispy Whole Line Fish with Sambal 4.5/5

Maryah's Verdict:
Fried Calamari 3.5/5 -- Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken 1/5

Unfortunately it seems like the standards (including the service at Fish & Co Glass House seem to be on the down and down.
There's actually so much more to the Fish & Co menu since they recently revamped it. So look forward to more posts including some sole-ly (geddit geddit) dedicated to the different types of Fish & Chips!

And here's a tip - Top-up $5.50 when you order your main to "Complete Your Meal" with the Soup of the Day and also a choice of drink!

Fish & Co.

Glass House Park Mall
9 Penang Road #01-24

Tel: 6334 1858
www.fish-co.com

Operating Hours:
11.30am til 10.00pm Daily

Swensen's - Soups & Salad

Don't ask us why but this post is all about soup and salad at Swensen's

Caesar Salad with Smoked Salmon ($12.50)

I guess it all started when I felt like having, of all things, a Caesar Salad.
It's not that I don't like salad or veggies. I guess that for a meat eater like me, salad is normally on the side and not really the main dish.

Well the Caesar Salad at Swensen's can definitely be the main dish on its own.
The dish it comes in is enormous with extra large utensils for tossing too!

The lettuce was extra crisp and the egg, cheese and croutons really go well together. Plus we all know what a sucker I am for smoked salmon so that was definitely a winner.

And the Caesar Salad dressing comes separately so you can choose how much you want to add. Awwww... Swensen's is so considerate!
By the way, the sauce was delicious so you'll probably end up using all of it anyways.


You can also have the version with Breaded Chicken or Fish ($12.00) or if you're feeling like a rabbit that day, you can always have the plain Caesar Salad ($10.00). No prizes for guessing which one I strongly recommend (Pssst it's the ssssmoked ssssalmon...)

Clam Chowder ($9.40)

Something I order often (more often than the salad) at Swensen's is the Clam Chowder.

I just find it so hearty and warm plus I really like Clam Chowder. Just so happens that they make a pretty good one at Swensen's! Doesn't that look so inviting or is it just me??

The chowder is nice and thick and creamy. The clam flavour is just right and it's not too overwhelming but if you'd like you can always add a nice big dash of pepper no problem. I've a feeling that once you take your first spoon, you're going to keep going until it's all gone.

The Clam Chowder is served in a Sourdough bread bowl. This means that you have some bread to dip into your chowder and you can even EAT THE BOWL too!

SERIOUSLY!! NO JOKE!!!

Well, I'm gonna stop talking about the Clam Chowder because it's making me feel like having one right now.
Let's move along shall we?

Creamy Mushroom Soup ($9.40)

Looking for something a little bit more classic?
Well, you can't get more classic than a creamy mushroom soup am I right?

This isn't exactly the stuff you get out of a Campbell's can I confirm that for you first of all.
This is a really good tasting soup which is nice and rich and has a very strong mushroom flavour.
It's served in a Sourdough bread bowl just like the Clam Chowder so you're all set to get filled up!

My Sister-In-Law even goes as far as to say this is the "best mushroom soup" she's ever had!

Adam's Verdict:
Caesar Salad with Smoked Salmon 4.5/5 -- Clam Chowder 4/5

Azlan's Verdict:
Creamy Mushroom Soup 3/5

Eriyana's Verdict:
Creamy Mushroom Soup 5/5

So this post is only about a salad and some soups but you can see that even without the main dish, it could very well be more than enough to fill you up!

Swensen's

Changi Airport Terminal 2
Mezzanine Level, Arrival Hall North,

Tel: 6542 8219
http://www.swensens.com.sg

Operating Hours: 24 Hours Daily

Jus! Episode 9 featuring The Halal Food Blog & Royal Kublai Khan

The 2nd episode which featured The Halal Food Blog Team aired on Suria on 1 July!

The team visited Royal Kublai Khan Steamboat Buffet and Seafood Restaurant for some steamboat and crabs. You can read our original review here!

In the mean time, enjoy the clip!

Royal Kublai Khan Steamboat Buffet & Seafood Restaurant

Okay has anyone heard of Royal Kublai Khan Mongolian BBQ Restaurant?
That's right!! That's the one at Park Mall in Dhoby Ghaut and I'm pretty sure quite a few of you have been there before to sample their food.

Well, Royal Kublai Khan has decided to 'expand his empire' further (get it? get it?) and has now opened a 2nd outlet with a slightly different concept - STEAMBOAT!!

There's no Mongolian BBQ here but you can try some Mongolian-style Steamboat!
This is a great place for you to visit whether it's only 2 of you on a date or even if you're going for a big family celebration! For large groups, they actually have 2 steamboats for the large table so nobody is left out when it comes to the fun of cooking your food.

I actually took a liking to the Spicy Herbal broth. It kind of reminds me a little of Tom Yam but not too spicy.
But if you want to play it safe, you can always go for the Herbal Chicken.

Pricing is also really good value for money!
Adults eat at $19.80++ and children above 3 years eat at $12.80++.
Still not impressed? Maybe you will be when I tell you what you'll get for the price.

The steamboat gives you a choice of two types of stock.
You can have either the Spicy Herbal, Chicken Broth or you can have a Combo like above!!

Assorted Yong Tau Foo

Sliced Beef, Sliced Chicken and Enoki Mushrooms

Shellfish, Assorted Mushrroms & Vegetables

Assorted Noodles

And that's not all!
You also get Fresh Prawns, Sliced Fish, Tofu, Squid, Fishballs, loads of assorted veggies for all you veggie lovers and extra Yong Tau Foo-style stuff like Money Bags, Cheesy Tofu and Ngoh Hiang (Chicken Roll)!!

All of the stuff we had was really fresh (especially the seafood!) and with the wide variety, you're definitely going to be stuffing yourself with all the goodies.

But here's the kicker..
If you're not really a fan of steamboat - NO PROBLEM!
They also have a buffet spread of cooked food for all those of you who don't fancy (or might be too lazy) to cook your own food at the steamboat!

The cooked food spread includes fried rice and noodles, satay, vegetables, seafood like prawns and sweet and sour fish and also some chicken. Best news of all? They have crabs!! Black Pepper and Chilli Crab (complete with buns!) and this is all spread out for you to devour!

And if you're feeling thirsty, you get free flow of either Cold or Hot drinks!

All that for the price stated above! Tell me that's not value for money?
MEMANG BERBALOI! :P

Adam's Verdict:
Kublai Khan Steamboat Buffet 4/5

Azlan's Verdict:
Kublai Khan Steamboat Buffet 4/5

Okay lah to be honest it doesn't seem to have much 'Mongolian' involved when it comes to the steamboat here but it's still really good! If you're looking for the type where you have a table BBQ or a table grill then this is not for you. This is old-school steamboat!

It's great value for money and there's something for everyone to enjoy.
They also have an ala carte menu which we will be reviewing soon.

But please note the following!!

• The Steamboat Buffet is for dinner and starts at 5.30pm
• They do cater for quite a few tour groups that come by so call and make reservations if needed!!

I can guarantee you I'll be bringing my family here soon for some steamboat!!

We were graciously given the opportunity to review Royal Kublai Khan with the team from Jus! which is a variety show that airs on Suria channel! It was a great experience and the team was really friendly.

Be sure to catch The Halal Food Blog Team on the 5th season of Jus!
The episode is scheduled to air on Monday, 1st July 2013 on Suria channel at 8.30pm!
Be sure to tune in and support!

Royal Kublai Khan Steamboat & Seafood Restaurant

175 Bencoolen Street
#01-56 Burlington Square (facing La Salle)
Tel: 6836 2389

http://kublaikhanbbq.com/royalkublaikhan

Operating Hours:
11.30am til 10.00pm Daily
Steamboat Buffet starts at 5.30pm