Alexandra Village Mini Steamboat

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For a long time, Queensway has been the go-to place for two things- athletic equipment and furniture. Queensway Shopping Centre and the nearby IKEA store has served generations of students, looking for great bargains on running shoes and their first pieces of furniture to fill their humble dormitories at the National University of Singapore.

These days, students can look forward to even more in the area since a tiny little gem has been found at the Alexandra Village Food Market that sits just a stone’s throw away. After a hard day hitting the stores one can refuel at Alexandra Village Mini Steamboat-the result of much elbow grease and late nights by three relatively young stalwarts Tino, Clarence and Don (the eldest of these gents is only 32 years old). 

 Where steamboat is often thought of as a large, laborious feast, these guys serve theirs’ in a mini steamboat version- perfect if you want to go it solo for if a group of friends want to have problems choosing from among the six different broths up on offer. 

Our favourite broth was the Pork Rib and Shark Fin Melon, which get’s its name from the translucent fibres reminiscent of its expensive namesake. The melon added weightiness to the clear broth that was already flavourful before we added the meats. 

If you want something a little more satiating, opt for the Laksa broth. It had the same consistency of flavour and coconut creaminess you would expect from an actual bowl of Laksa. Nothing was watered down.

The Boiler ... Thats How They Roe!

Indeed the lobsters await. They dont serve the lobsters already deshelled, nor upside down. These Boston Lobsters end up on your table staring straight at you. Thats how whole the lobster is at the Boiler.

Owned by bankers-turned restaurateurs, “The Boiler” is a Southern American-inspired seafood joint that serves up fresh seafood in Louisiana style known as Seafood Boil. It aims to ignite your five senses by bringing back the harmonious spirit of fresh tasty seafood and unassuming dining atmosphere all under one roof.

Big bold flavours, paired with the freshest seafood is what The Boiler promises to deliver to its customers as it opened to public a fortnight ago. Located within the Tai Seng industrial area, this Southern American-inspired seafood joint aims to satisfy diners of all appetites by serving fresh live seafood in Louisiana style, away from the hustle and bustle of busy city life after sunset.

Before the lobsters, lets see what are some of the appetisers and side dishes are offered.

Louisana Spicy Mid Joint Wings

These wings were just so well sauced, marinated and crispy and juicy. When asked, the owner mentioned the batter is a specially concocted in the kitchen. Dont forget to squeeze the lemon if you like, we conveniently forgot it when it was delivered to the table. The beauty of the wings just made us devour them immediately.

SET Contemporary Cuisine @ POMO

Set Contemporary Cuisine is one which was created from the heart. Once you walk in you will be amazed at the pure size of the place. Spanning 5 shop spaces, this is a place for groups definitely, yet couples or individuals who go will feel equally comfortable there.

Raymond, the manager, used to helm TAO which used to occupy the first floor of the same building. He is very confident that the concept still works as he had many returning regular customers.

The set menu has a very reasonable price to it (see end of post). We felt that for the setting and quality of food, the price was at a sweet spot.

Buona Terra: Gem along Scotts Road

We were truly excited to know that we are visiting Buona Terra. While it is fairly common to get degustation menus at French restaurants, hardly are we able to think of any that does this to Italian fare.

Menu is totally customised by Chef Denis Lucchi, tailoring the menu according to the guest's dietary preference and restrictions. To augment the experience, we suggest to opt for the excellent wine pairing done expertly by Chief Sommelier Gabriele Rizzardi, who at the same time is an superb host.

If you are not ready just yet for the degustation menu, Buona Terra has the constellation menus of which you can select 3, 4 or 5 dishes from a set list, with any combinations of appetisers, mains and desserts.