VivoCity

I suggested going to Vivocity for dinner yesterday, a sort of relaxation from the usual hustle and bustle at work. Surprisingly, almost all agreed, and we had a great dinner at Modesto's. We had the pleasure of trying out a wide array of food, from pizza to lasagnas, to pastas and even this unique Italian appetizer in the form of raw thinly sliced beef. Sashimi style! My lasagna was very fulfilling, and I also tried bits and pieces from others. Highlights include this spaghetti pasta marinated in squid ink – totally black. Combined with a generous dose of seafood medley, it's truly a fare that brings you closer to the sea. Another is the pizza topped with a special Italian Ham (or was it Bacon?). Deceivingly simple, yet surprisingly tasty. Definitely a restaurant worth going back for, if only for the unique appetizer!

After dinner walk-around revealed many hidden gems of unique restaurants in Vivocity. Some I have tried, some others not, but it's becoming more and more apparent to me that Vivocity is quickly turning into one of my favorite places. It's got a great and complete bookstore (Page One) when I need instant inspiration. It's got a great atmosphere to bring your date along. It's got a quick getaway towards which you can bring your group of friends (St James). And most importantly (for me at least), it's got a great selection of good food.

Here are several of the restaurants I have had the pleasure to visit recently:

Sushi Tei

Sushi Tei in Vivocity does not offer much surprises. It's standard Japanese fare are one I have grown accustomed with, and with prices that doesn't break the bank, there is really nothing to complain about. Unfortunately, I do not have anything to rave about either. The sea view is definitely a plus point, but in Vivocity it becomes the standard by which all restaurants are judged on, and here it does not offer any better view than the other restaurants I tried.

Aji by Hanabi

Excellent, excellent sashimi fare – but beware of your budget, my last visit here came up to $100 for two! Considering what we had however, it's probably only fair. We had a sumptuous spread consisting of 1 plate of Sashimi (3 different types of fishes), 3 rolls of Premium Sushi (Dragon Roll, Soft-Shell Crab, and another), and 1 standard California roll. What really clinced it for me however, was the outside seats, located near the yatch harbor instead of the ferry terminal – much better view.

HK Kim Gary Restaurant

Not unlike other Hong Kong Cafes, Kim Gary offers a good selection of Contemporary HK Dishes. These modern interpretation of traditional Cantonese fares – often combined with Western influences – are very tasty. My favorites are the Baked Rices, tho it's really nothing special considering the many HK Style Bistro cum Resto that has cropped up all around Singapore now. The interesting drinks also on offers makes this a good spot to relax and source for inspirations, and the prices are also decent for the pocket.

Shin Kushiya

Another Japanese restaurant, but this time specializing in grilled Japanese cuisine. My personal favorite however, is the Raw Salmon with Roe on top of Japanese Rice – fresh thinly sliced Salmon pieces on top of Japanese rice with a generous side addition of large salmon roes. For a restaurant whose name implies expertise in grilling, the two BBQ pieces we did order were not one to crave for. In fact one was truly inedible, an over-cooked piece of chicken skin that was too tough to chew and enjoy. Surprisingly dinner for two came up to about less than $50, but that's probably only because we saved space and didn't order dessert

Carnivore

An interesting Brazilian concept restaurant whose main attraction are meat – of various flavors, kind and tastes. It's a buffet to a certain extent, but instead of going towards the food line to grab your choice of eats, the waiters would bring a selection of meat around the restaurant. Naturally, he comes back right away after than, with a different type of meat. Extremely fullfilling, and only for the meat lovers! Approximately $40 per person.

Terra Cafe

Located right next to Page One, this mid-range restaurant offers standard Italian fare. Perfect for a quick and simple lunch, and the milkshakes is one of my favorites. One good reason for me to eat here is 10% discount from the Terra card given free some time ago.

If all else fails, the Food Republic at the top floor offers a wide variety of successful food elsewhere in Singapore. Just be sure to take a walk by level 3 and enjoy the refreshing rush of sea breezes!

p/s: I wish I have a better camera phone. *sigh*