JPot @ Vivocity

I am not really a fan of steamboat but decided to give JPot a try after many recommendations by friends.  There happen to be one while I was doing some shopping at Vivocity so I got a number for it and waited for around 30 minutes before we got our table.

The steamboat scene has changed quite a bit since the steamboat days in the 90s.  In the 90s steamboat ingredients are usually different types of balls (e.g. fish ball, sotong ball, meat ball, etc) and meat is just usual pieces of chicken and pork.  There is also a period where steamboat cum bbq is very popular (where seoul garden started).  Today steamboat ingredients are made up of very fresh and quality meat and vegetables.  There is also a wide variety of sauces for it to mix and match to suit your taste bud.

I went for the fish head soup base, there is quite a number of big chunks of fish in the soup, but I feel that the soup is abit blend.

As for the sauce I just followed the recommended JPot sauce (there is a list at the sauce station).  It taste quite ok.

I must say that the quality of the meat is very good and the thickness is just right not too thick and not too thin, just dipping it in the soup for a few seconds and the meat is cooked.

The scallop is very fresh and crunchy.  These are dishes which you do not see in steamboat shops in the 90s, same goes of the sliced meat above.  All these could be influence for Japan, Korea and China.

We also ordered the fish, its the only sliced fish where the proportion isn't too big for too.  They should offer half portion for other fish selection instead of 1 whole fish which is too much for 2.  The liver is very fresh as well, again I find the portion too much for 2.

We also order some vegetables for a balance meal and cellophane noodles, some how I feel weird if there is no noodles or rice when eating steamboat.

The meal was quite satisfying, the only complain will be they portion (they should consider offering half portion order).  Will like to try the Hai Di Lao next, which alot of people are recommending as well.

JPot Vivocity

1 Harbour Front Walk

#01-53

Operating Hours: 12:00 - 15:00, 18:00 - 01:00 (Fri)

                            12:00 - 15:00, 18:00 - 23:00 (Mon - Thu)

                            12:00 - 01:00 (Sat)

                            12:00 - 23:00 (Sun)

Oktoberfest 2013 @ Brotzeit Vivocity

It the time of the year again to have lots of beer and pork knuckles, its Oktoberfest period in Singapore. Some background on Oktoberfest, it is the world largest fair held in Munich, Germany annually around the end of September till the first weekend of October (Singapore's celebration only starts in October though).  Much like a funfair ground with lots of rides, lots of tents setup by breweries across Germany and also some selling crafts.  Singapore Oktoberfest celebration comes in smaller scale usually by the bigger restaurants like Paulner and Brotzeit within their restaurants.

I happen to have a gathering at Brotzeit on Friday without realising they are having the Oktoberfest celebration (10-13 October and 17-20 October).  The good thing is we get to have some fun being part of the celebration and everyone being 'high', but the bad thing is we couldn't catchup as the music was too loud.  So if you plan to have a gathering and have a good chit chat session then please avoid during this period.

The picture is abit blur as its quite dark inside and I also couldn't see how clear it was, maybe I was abit drunk also.  They have a special menu during this period, like the Brotzeit Oktoberfest Platter which serves 4-6 goes for S$168 (excluding tax and service charge), pork knuckle (S$36), Bavarian potato dumpling and Spinach (S$24.50), sausage platter (S$32.50), desserts (apple strudel, kaiserschmarren) and of course Oktoberfest beer from paulner, these beer have higher alcohol content than the usual Paulner beer.

The beer comes in 2 sizes: 1 litre (S$21 before 8pm, S$27.50 8pm onwards), 0.5 litre (S$12.50 before 8pm, S$14.50 8pm onwards).

The 0.5 litre mug has the Oktoberfest print, you can't bring back this mug though.

We order the Brotzeit Oktoberfest Platter which have pork knuckle, Bierbeisser sausages, garlic pork sausages, pork chops, pork ribs, sauerkraut and potato wedges which I feel isn't very authentic compared to what you get in Munich.  They should have included the knodel (potato dumplings) and the Reiberdatschi (potato pancakes).  So how's the food?  I feel that the pork knuckles, garlic pork sausage and wedges(though its not what you usually get) taste alright, but the rest is either too tough or too blend.  However if you would like to immerse in the Oktoberfest atmosphere its a good place to come to.  They have live band and also interaction with the diners, and many diners play and sing along.  Give them a visit if you would like a taste of Oktoberfest without travelling to Munich.

1 Harbourfront Walk, Vivocity

#01-149/151

Opening Hours: 12pm to 12am (Mon to Fri)

                           12pm to 1am (Sat & Sun)

Note: Oktoberfest celebration is only on 10-13 October and 17-20 October 2013