Fat Lulu's: Enjoy this adventure
When the brunch craze first gripped Singapore a few years back, it was one of the pioneers. When the idea caught on and brunch became less a mealtime and more a lifestyle, business slowed down for the early movers.
Five & Dime was one of those affected. So they decided to close shop and regroup, and now, they have returned with Fat Lulu's.
The kitchen is run by two chefs, Sam Chablani and Pang Ji Shuang.
Both worked in different kitchens until they became colleagues at the short-lived Raven.
Reunited at Fat Lulu's, they worked in unison to create a weekend-only brunch menu that combines bold flavours and interesting twists.
For me, chef Chablani is one to watch. He is so clever at keeping his food fun and relevant.
I also like how he adds local touches so there is always something familiar, yet you feel like you're on an adventure.
I'm not a fan of lamb, but the lamb meatballs ($23) is one I would order again. The meatballs have just the right amount of spices to balance out that signature lamb gaminess. The tomato-based sauce added to the experience.
The fried chicken with pancakes ($22) is a visual treat. It's a competent dish and should please many, but it wasn't particularly memorable. The plus is fluffy pancakes that are good on their own.
I was surprised that the Croque Tambi ($18) has no meat. Instead, it's a murtabak-styled omelette that is doused in sriracha, mayonnaise and pan-seared Scarmoza cheese. I love the appetite-whetting spicy flavours. The pineapple and cucumber raita cools it down, and is delicious on its own, too.
One of the most photographed dishes is Bacon & Eggs ($22). The slab of bacon seems to be the centre of attention. I found it rather bland. And as a fan of anything pork, it takes a lot for me not to like the pork part of any dish.
Childhood ($16) is one of the best desserts in town. The peanut popsicle, with peanut butter and hazelnut paste, and coated with 55 per cent dark chocolate is delicious. There is everything to love about this.
WHAT
Fat Lulu's Asian BBQ & Desserts
WHERE
297, River Valley Road
WHEN
Sundays to Thursdays, 6pm to 11pm Fridays and Saturdays, 6pm till late Plus weekends 11am to 4pm
CALL
9236-5002
Bitesized
SUPPER MASH UP
Moosehead (110, Telok Ayer Street, Tel: 6636-8055) is collaborating with hawker stall A Noodle Story for a one-off meal on Nov 4.
Dishes are reworked to contain elements of both eateries, such as bacon-wrapped wontons ($8), deep fried shrimp wontons with garlic miso dip ($5) and char-grilled brocollini ($8).
Supper starts from 10pm.
MASTERCHEF MEAL
The pop up MasterChef Dining & Bar Experience makes its Asian debut at Ash & Elm (InterContinental Singapore) from Nov 25 to Dec 9.
Top chef Marco Pierre White (below) and four top MasterChef contestants, including Reynold Poernomo from Australia, will cook.
Get your tickets from tomorrow from Sistic.
DEEPAVALI BUFFET
For Deepavali, Tandoor (Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre, Tel: 6733-8333) is offering the Diwali Mela buffet ($48) on Oct 30. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are available and highlights include "live'' chaat and dosai stations. Also, desserts such as zafrani vermicelli kheer (saffron-flavoured pudding made of vermicelli and condensed milk).
Hot dish
To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Italian restaurant Mondo Mia (#01-02A Riverside View, Tel: 6736-2503) will be offering a special four-course menu ($45) until Dec 15.
One pasta option is the Tagliatelle Fatte in Casa con Crema di Melanzane e Cicale ($26 a la carte), with an eggplant, tomato and basil sauce, topped with sauteed crayfish.
This Southern Italian dish is a combination of bright flavours and great pasta. And if you can handle more carbs, get the robust pizza con rucola pesto ($22), with salami, ricotta, melted mozzarella, and fresh cherry tomatoes.
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