From The Straits Times    |

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The Premium Rare Plate ($48 for 150g) allows you to choose three uncommon cuts for a sampling before you decide on your favourites. Image: Nikuhoni

WHAT’S YOUR BEEF?

Fans of Japanese food will find much to like at Eat At Seven, a new multi- restaurant cluster in Suntec City. Four eateries have opened, with the remaining three to come later in the year, and one that impresses is NikuNoHi, a branch of a Tokyo yakiniku restaurant.

On the menu is a wide range of cuts, including some that are not very common, such as tri-tip and bottom flap, at very good prices. A diagram in the restaurant helpfully shows which part of the cow the cuts are from as well as the level of fat and marbling.

The Premium Rare Plate ($48 for 150g) allows you to choose three uncommon cuts for a sampling before you decide on your favourites.

The less adventurous can go for common cuts such as Chateaubriand ($50 for 100g) and Japanese Wagyu Sirloin ($42.50 for 100g), which are pretty good quality for the prices.

WHERE: NikuNoHi, 03-316 Suntec City North, 3 Temasek Boulevard
MRT: Esplanade/City Hall 
WHEN: 11am – 11pm daily TEL: 6837-0263

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Image: Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza hotel

NEW GRILL GOES LIGHT

If you have not been to the poolside of the Marriott Tang Plaza hotel recently, you will find it a bit different. A new pavilion that has been built extends the dining area of the alfresco Pool Grill, which has also been refurbished.

A new menu has been launched with the reopening of the grill. The cooking boasts light and bright flavours, with dishes such as seared Hokkaido scallops with cauliflower puree and chorizo vinaigrette ($32) that are ideal for alfresco dining.

Even meat dishes such as the seared lamb loin ($46, left) are not too heavy. The lamb is crusted with herbs and spices and is gently cooked so that its centre is still pink.

Another dish worth trying is the pan-fried cod with cauliflower tempura, confit garlic and Shiraz reduction ($36).

Brunch is served from 11am to 5pm on Sundays and public holidays.

Those with big appetites will appreciate dishes such as chorizo sausage with chickpeas, corn and bell pepper salsa and heirloom tomato served on a thick slice of sourdough toast with an egg cooked whatever way you choose ($24).

WHERE: Pool Grill, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, 320 Orchard Road 
MRT: Orchard 
WHEN: 11am – 10pm (Sun – Thu), 11am – 11pm (Fri, Sat & public holiday). Menus change throughout the day.
TEL: 6831-4605

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The highlight of the buffet at The Carvery is the extensive carving station. Image: Park Hotel Alexandra

MEAT THE CARVERY

If you want a change from the usual meatballs while visiting Ikea in Alexandra Road, hop next door to the new Park Hotel Alexandra for a buffet at The Carvery.

As the eatery’s name suggests, the buffet’s highlight is the carving station, where you can find a selection of three or four roasts of beef, lamb, pork or chicken.

For weekend dinners, which are more expensive, there are better grades of beef such as Angus or premium cuts such as prime rib.

But I am pretty happy with the everyday rotisserie chicken, which is moist and well-marinated, and the tender leg of lamb.

To go with the meats is a wide range of salts and butters, including an unusual anchovy butter, as well as sauces.

The rest of the buffet is designed to accompany the roasts, with salads and sides such as Yorkshire pudding and cauliflower gratin.

There is a also a small selection of chilled seafood, pasta and cooked dishes such as beef Bourguinon and bouillabaisse. For dessert, look out for classics such as English trifle and apple crumble.

WHERE: The Carvery, Park Hotel Alexandra, 323 Alexandra Road
MRT: Commonwealth 
WHEN: Noon – 3pm, 6 – 10pm daily PRICE:$38 (lunch), $52 (dinner, Sun – Thu), $62 (dinner, Fri & Sat) 
TEL:6828-8880

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Image: Si Chuan Dou Hua

CLAYPOT SO HOT

Si Chuan Dou Hua in Kitchener Road starts its claypot promotion only on Tuesday, but it is not too early to make bookings.

The restaurant is bringing back its popular promotion from last year and introducing more flavours this time.

New on the menu are claypot rice with chicken, live frog and black garlic, and claypot rice with cordyceps flower, sliced pork and salted fish (left). Both are excellent, with the aroma filling the room as they arrive at the table. Each claypot ($25) is enough for two persons if you have other dishes.

Or you can go for claypot dishes such as braised spare ribs in Wuxi style or stewed fish with black garlic, bean curd skin and roast pork. These are great with plain rice. Claypot dishes are priced at $16 a pot.

WHERE: Si Chuan Dou Hua, Parkroyal on Kitchener Road, 181 Kitchener Road 
MRT: Farrer Park 
WHEN: Tue – Nov 30 TEL: 6428-3170

This story was first published in The Straits Times on August 28, 2015. For similar stories, go to www.sph.straitstimes.com/lifestyle.

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