Dallas Restaurant & Bar @ Boat Quay

I first came across this restaurant in an advertisement. Being a huge fan of American food (and French food and Italian food and general food), I decided to give it a try. This is situated in the stretch of Boay Quay, just a few steps down from UOB Plaza, facing the Singapore River.

When we reached there, we were ushered to the second floor where the restaurant is. Now I know why it is highly recommended. The interior has dim lighting and really great for small get-togethers! Besides, there is a bar downstairs and an open area right by the river.

We were seated at a place right by the window, overlooking fantastic views of the river and the colonial-style buildings from across the river. It makes a wonderful view in the night sky!

The open area of the restaurant, flanked by the river

The Asian Civilisations Museum across the river

The seats of the restaurant

The table setting

 

Being an American restaurant, they specialise in ribs - baby back and prime. However, none of us ordered ribs. We ordered a variety of Portobelle mushrooms, fish and beef. The food is good with big servings and the price is very reasonable!

Cream of Pumpkin

Ribeye steak
(it was supposed to be medium rare but the steak turned out too well done)

Pan-fried Barramundi

Portobelle Mushrooms

Classic Beer-battered Fish & Chips
(which became too big of a serving)

This is one place that is very suitable for a romantic date. I will sure go back again, at least to try the ribs!

Cuisine : American
Food : 3.5 out of 5
Ambience : 4.5 out of 5
Price : 4 out of 5

The White Rabbit @ Dempsey

Last night, we were at The White Rabbit at Dempsey. I have long heard about this place, especially since it is a popular place for weddings, but have never been there. The moment I stepped in, I can see why it is such a popular place for weddings! Converted from a colonial church, the stained glass windows and high ceilings make it a regal place for exchanging vows.

Interior of the White Rabbit

The table setting makes for a cosy place for intimate gatherings. It has the usual - wine glasses, water glasses, butter plate, knives and forks, napkins and plates for the main dishes. Whenever I enter a restaurant, I always check out the table setting. If the table setting is right, normally the food and ambience will not go wrong.

The table setting

Some remnants of the old stuff still remains.

The food is average, not fantastically delicious. We ordered a mixture of appetisers, soups and mains. The servings are a tad small. For the price we paid, it is not worth it!

Tomato and Pumpkin Soup

Tuna with Caviar

Scallops

Linguine with Scallops

Beef Tenderloin

White Rabbit Mac & Cheese (main)

Macaroni and Cheese (side)

Vegetarian Pasta

In short, this is a restaurant with nice ambience for cosy and casual dates, if you are prepared to indulge a bit more.

Cuisine : Mediterranean
Food : 3 out of 5
Ambience : 4 out of 5
Price : 2.5 out of 5

The Cooking Book

I found another "treasure" yesterday! After I saw this cookbook of all cookbooks at a friend's place, I have been wanting to get my hands on it. This is the absolute bible for cooking beginners. Every recipe is illustrated, ie there is a picture of every ingredient used, how the dishes turn out, and it comes equipped with a shopping list stating how many servings in how much quantity of ingredients, as well as a DVD on cooking demonstration!

What can be better than that - a cookbook with practical instructions and detailed pictures so you can never get the overall output wrong? I cannot wait to try out the French Onion Soup recipe and compare it to that one in the Le Cordon Bleu cookbook I have!

Here are some samples of recipes from the pages.