Saveur

Tucked in the corner of 5 Purvis Street is a casual and chic restaurant, Saveur which is French for "Flavour". While many might associate the French with exorbitant food prices this might actually surprise you. In a good way of course.

The concept of this restaurant is simple with monochromic designs. After queueing for about 15 minutes we finally got a table and I was very sure my stomach could be heard cheering too.

There were about 5 different starters on the menu such as Salmon Confit ($9.90) but we decided to go for the Foie Gras with creamy lentils & pickled pearl onion ($7.90). The pan seared liver was very smooth and delicate and it was definitely very flavourful. However, I felt that the plate was infused with  too much olive oil which didn't compliment well with the already oil filled liver.

Next up was the mains. They provide a selection of meat such as duck, chicken, pork, fish and beef. But the Duck leg Confit with mashed potato and sautéed mushrooms ($10.90) seemed like an obvious choice for me as the french certainly makes the best duck confits' around. 

The duck was quite spectacular. The crispy skin enveloped the soft and tender meat underneath. As the duck had a saltier flavour, I liked that the mashed potato was not heavily seasoned. Definitely a must try! 

Bernard ordered the Roulade of chicken thigh ($9.90) which was stuffed with foie gras-infused chicken farce. The slices of chicken was served over creamy basmati (long grain) rice glazed over with parmesan sauce. According to him, the chicken was very tender but the rest weren't impactful. 

They do have a premium selection for those who are feeling up for it. I am looking forward to give the Beef Tenderloin ($24.90) a try. Whilst the fish lovers can opt for the Cod at the same price. 

As usual after every meal, dessert is something I always look forward to. I was kinda surprise to see the Pistachio Panna Cotta ($6.90) in the menu as it is an Italian dish. But the pistachio nuts drew me in. I really love the crushed caramelised nuts topped over the smooth simmered cream. Bernard and me liked it overall. 

As you have already seen, Saveur offers very affordable french (and maybe italian) dishes that guarantees not to break a hole in your wallet. The servings aren't that large which allows you to order a few selections to share if you are with a group of friends. Additional sides can also be added if u want to ''upsize'' your meal.

Bare in mind that they do not take in reservations and the good old queue starts even before they open again for dinner at 6.30pm. So the only advice is to head down before 6pm and do what Singaporeans do best! Queue~

Saveur (Bugis)

5 Purvis Street

Talib Court #01-04

Singapore 188584

Tel: 6333 3121

Mon to Sat:12pm - 2.15pm & 6pm - 9.30pm

Sun: 6pm - 9pm

Saveur (Far East Plaza)

14 Scotts Road

Far East Plaza #01-07B

Singapore 228213

Tel: 6736 1121

Mon to Sat: 11.30am - 9.30pm 

Sun: 11.30am - 9pm 

MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE

Surely you have heard of Morton's The Steakhouse at Mandarin Oriental. If not, well, they serve one of the best steaks here in Singapore. Perhaps what sets them apart from the other steak restaurants is their excellent service.

I found out that Morton's is a really good place to celebrate birthdays, and since Shawn's birthday was just round the corner, I decided to make a reservation there.

I was impressed by the mannerism of the staff that took my reservation over the phone. He was patient and even explained the menu out to me.
On the day of the reservation, a staff from Morton's called to remind me about the time as well as to inform me of a roadblock due to the National Day Parade celebrations. I was wowed by them even before I visited.

When Shawn and I arrived at Morton's, the man donned in a suit greeted us and wished Shawn "happy birthday". He was even more surprised to find his name printed on the menu. The table was also nicely decorated with "sparkles". A lady named Ida then introduced herself as our designated waitress and explained the menu before us. 

We were served a huge complimentary onion bread and a generous slap of butter. The bread, about the size of two fists put together, had a tinge of onion which wasn't overwhelming and was crispy on the outside and soft in the inside. 

I inquired about the Steak & Seafood Menu ($108++) which wasn't inside their regular menu. Ida recommended that we order 1 Steak & Seafood Menu as the portions for the sides are huge. She said we could "upsize" the fillet mignon and share.  

Morton's Salad ($23), served with blue cheese dressing.
This portion that you see was already halved. The blue cheese dressing in my opinion was done just right. You could change this salad to their Baked Five Onion Soup ($28.50) by topping up $5.

A halved 6 oz. center-cut fillet mignon ($80).

According to Shawn, this medium steak was out of this world. The top and bottom were slightly crisp and has a juicy pink center. Overall, the steak was firm and tender. 

Colossal Shrimp Alexander. Similar to the Jumbo Shrimp Alexander ($45) served in Beurre Blanc Sauce.
The shrimps were quite large, but personally, I feel the sauce lack a punch.
In the background, Homemade Mashed Potatoes ($24) served with butter, sour cream and bacon bits. I feel their mashed potatoes were not so great as what others have said. It was still alittle grainy after mixing with the butter n sour cream. 

Finally the highlight of the night!
Morton's The Steakhouse serves a complimentary birthday cheese cake ($24) which I changed to Morton's Legendary Hot Chocolate Cake ($30). Ida came over with the birthday cake and sang a birthday song to a much surprised Shawn. Another staff from Morton's took a picture for us using their camera for a birthday card.
Morton's Legendary Hot Chocolate Cake is the best hot chocolate lava cake I've ever eaten. Served with a creamy scope of vanilla ice cream, I can't begin to describe how well this decadent scope of ice cream goes together with the hot chocolate cake. Simply a must try!  

At the end of our dining, Morton's staff came over to present the birthday card to Shawn.
It was handwritten with the freshly printed photograph that they just took. According to Shawn, this was one of his best night of his life. 

At Morton's, the dress code (no slippers and shorts) is not as strict as I thought. People came dressed in t-shirts and there were also lots of families who brought their little toddlers along.

This was also the first restaurant that I find almost every table requesting the staff for a picture to be taken, and as the restaurant is relatively dim, camera flashes will occasionally go off in the background.

Morton's also serve really huge sides, and there would be leftovers which they would recommend taking away. 

Morton's The Steakhouse gave Shawn and I the most satisfying experience we ever had at a restaurant. 

I would definitely visit them again, or according to Shawn, "something worth saving up for".

Morton’s The Steakhouse Restaurant

5 Raffles Avenue

4F Mandarin Oriental Singapore

Tel: +65 6339 3740

Mon to Sat: 5.30pm – 11 pm

Sun: 5pm – 10pm

German Visa Application in Singapore

As you know, we will be going to be matriculated in Germany as students for about 4 months.
During this period, lots of preparation are required and one of them is the application for the visa.
This would be the most troublesome thing... but fret not, we've compiled a list for you to follow.


1. Setting up a Blocked account with the Deutsche Bank.

Click on this link here, print a copy of it and fill it up, leaving out the branch and customer number.
Print a copy of your valid passport.

You can visit the embassy without making an appointment. However from my experience, going down to the embassy early in the morning will mean a longer waiting time. The embassy officers will only entertain you after they have settled all other visa appointments. While remembering that the embassy closes after 12pm, do make your way down an appropriate time.

SGD$33 is made payable in cash immediately to the embassy officers and an additional 50 Euros will be deducted from the blocked account after the transfer of money.

In case that you want to change the blocked amount in the blocked account, click here. I am not exactly sure how the blocked amount works as of now, but will update as soon as I know.

2. Booking of appointment for German visa.

Bookings are required for the visa application. Therefore click here to book.

3. Preparation of the necessary documents before going for the appointment.

Please do print a copy of the checklist for student visa, you can obtain it by clicking here.

Do note that a residence form is required if you are required to study or do an internship training in Germany.
This residence permit must be issued before you enter the country.

You can obtain the residence permit form by clicking here. 

Do note that a fee of SGD$100 is required for the application of visa. 

For more information of the other types of visa, click here. 

Getting there:
Embassy Address: Singapore Land Tower 50 Raffles Place #12-00
Alight at Raffles Place MRT through exit B

I hope that helps.
If you have any question, do not hesitate to drop a comment.

Dream apartment to look forward

Meanwhile, we have booked our accommodation in Munich! *cheers* This is definitely a huge accomplishment for us hahaha.

It took us really lots of effort to search for an appropriate one due to the fact that our arrival date coincides with the Oktoberfest!!!

Yeah i know before you think of all the cheap BEERS you're gonna get, we had to worry about the double (or triple) rent that we gotta pay... Yups thats right, you do the math.

Initially we searched though Airbnb and was planning to rent just a small room from a German guy who was staying alone in the house. Then it start to sink in that we gotta stay with a total stranger for like 4 months! It is cheaper this way but gosh, I can foresee lots of Awkward Moments arising everyday. (Might be kind of interesting to blog about it uh) The location is a popular one but still, we rather not.

Another few grueling weeks of searching and emailing many possible hosts but man are those houses expensive! Hurhur. We were told houses in Munich are one of the most pricey ones in Germany, point taken.

Nevertheless we manage to find a reasonably priced 70 square meters Loft Apartment in Neuhausen using another site, Wimdu. Luck was on us yay! The host was friendly and very understanding (no extra charges were implied except for the agent fees)

MOST importantly... it is a 2 storied home!!

Okay I know it is a little over reacting, but c'mon even my own house doesn't have a staircase built in it >.<

Check out this picture provided by the host back in Munich.

 

This will be our ivory loft for 4 months in Munich. We really can't wait for September! It just makes me want to skip all of my upcoming exams and go straight onto that comfy chair with a cup of Hot Chocolate in hand *Grins

Oh wells no pain, no gain I guess~ 

Everywhere we go, we will always leave with a big bang

We are left with five more months before our Overseas Immersion Program (OIP) to Munich, Germany and there are so many things to plan and prepare. We certainly cannot wait! Besides completing our BSc thesis there, we'll also be touring some parts of europe, savouring new and different crusines, and best of all experience Europe during its off-peak season in winter.

Hence we have decided to blog about this entire experience and also about the food we have eaten!
Everybody loves food.
Follow us on twitter here!

Just afew points to tick before we reach 22 September 2013!

1. Sit for 7 examinations 
2. Decide on which country to return from
3. Decide on the return date back to Singapore
4. Get a VISA
5. Purchase a student travel insurance
6. Decide on which Europass to buy. (Select pass/ Global pass/ how many countries)
7. Open a German bank account.
8. Win some lucky draws to pay for overall expenses!

F.Y.I.

Big Bang is not a theory. It is a concept. 

Everywhere we go, we will always leave with a big bang.