Split is Croatia's 2nd largest city and also the largest coastal city in the Dalmatian Coast facing the Adriatic Sea. We dropped by for 2 nights while journeying along the coast (read about it here).

See

The most famous sight would be the Diocletian's Palace, a retirement home for the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the Middle Ages. Since then, it has been transformed into a museum/entertainment hub/bars and pubs catering to the 3000odd living within the compound, as well as the rest of the 166k people in Split.

Spend a little time wandering around the palace. We explored the underground museum but it was nothing very impressive, just big empty cavernous stone walled spaces that are damp and cool. Within the boundaries, there are shops that sell knick knacks, souvenirs, jewelry and the sorts. They are really better known for their pub crawls that cater to the many hostels located within.

Or hang out at the Dioklecijanova (Cardo Maximus). When night falls, you can sit on the cushions at the steps, get a drink and chill out to live music. I believe there is some exotic Egyption themed restaurant nearby as well. 

Take a side trip to the many different islands around the area where you can enjoy the beaches privately and intimately ;) The more popular ones are Hvar and Brac. We took a ferry to Stari Grad and from there a bus to Hvar.

There's nothing much at the city area so off we hopped onto the little charter to brought us to the beaches. 

1st stop Jerolim. Love the clear blue seas which are pretty cold even in June. Baked for a while with the naturalists and then to Stipanska next.

Stipanska has a built up area which is occupied by a beach bar. You don't have to patronise them. We were terribly ripped off because we didn't know of an extra charge to lie on the day beds (even if u get a drink) :/ 

Sleep

Our accommodation at Split Inn Apartments was very confortable. The centrally located office was easy to find and the person in charge led us to our apartment (on foot) which is only a couple of minutes away from the Diocletian Palace. 

Love the loft style apartment which is more than big enough for the 2 of us. It could probably accommodate another person on the couch. We paid about 70 Euros a night. The stone walls in our apartment prevented us from getting much of a signal but the wi-fi strength was quite strong on the first floor patio. 

Eat

My last meal would have to come from Villa Spiza in Split. This is undoubtedly the best meal in my life (so far) and we chanced upon it after S heard some guide mentioning it on the streets. There isn't a menu here. The chef simply goes to the market and picks out whatever that is available and fresh. 

The set up is essentially a home kitchen with 1 cook who is also the boss. We perch ourselved on the wooden bar chairs and waited eagerly for the food to be prepared. Menu for the night, shrimps, steak and squid ink risotto. Quite our standard fare in Croatia but we didn't know the surprise that lies in store.

The simply done shrimps in garlic, parsley, butter and perhaps some white wine. So much joy just eating with my fingers and sucking the luscious roe from the heads. Da yums. 

Lovely steak with a creamy beans and mushroom side. You cannot miss the squid ink risotto that is so flavorful and full of squid freshness. 

I was standing on the bottom rung of the stool and he's still bigger than me! The food was so good we finished every single morsel as you can tell. MUST TRY THIS!

Villa Spiza- Kružičeva 3, Split, Croatia

Konoba Marjan was recommended by the manager at Split Inn Apartments. Apparently you need a reservation to get a table here. We went early and were lucky to get a table much later. 

Perhaps our taste buds have been spoilt by Villa Spiza the previous night, the food was kinda bland and not that tasty in comparison. It's regular but just not WOW? I was slapping myself for not going back to Villa Spiza. 

There are a couple more interesting restaurants around the area we lived in. Do check out Sperun. We had brekkie at Sperun Deva which is just opposite. 

A quick meal before driving off to Dubrovnik. Roasted Tomatoes (only organic here).

Some Parma Ham, smoked salmon, omelette and anchovies (because S wanted to try). 

So yea.. this kinda concludes our Split visit. It's pretty but it's really quite a tourist spot i feel but i'm glad to have found that hidden gem in the Diocletian Palace. Even if you're not gonna stay for the night, you gotta at least have a meal at Villa Spiza. LOVE IT. 

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There is nothing blur about Two Blur Guys when it comes to their burgers. As much as the dudes insist that they know nothing about F&B, there is something really solid about what they have going on at their 24 seater hole-in-the-wall burger den (as they call it). 

The decor kinda screams Manhattan to us, having just came back from NYC in Dec. An item on the menu also reminded us of a fantastic meal at a particular 'M' restaurant (you go figure which). 

We started with a strong and refreshing, unsweetened Homemade Iced Tea ($3.50). A little more ice would be appreciated on a heat wave day in Feb. 

I could easily let the pictures speak for themselves but I have to rave about how wonderfully juicy (not overly) and tender these freshly made US Top Side Prime Beef patties are. For $12.50, i don't know where else would i be able to get something as awesome as this. There is just the right amount of minced pickles and tomatoes to flavor the patty. Top it with the mayonnaise (truffle apparently but i couldn't taste that) and you have one perfect burger. 

Never ever underestimate the importance of a good burger bun because they are your supporting actors/actresses. A good bun should be able to hold the patties, as well as add texture and a nice buttery flavor to the overall meal experience and THIS is a good bun. TBG produces this wholemeal artisanal bun from their central bakery (they supply pastries and bread to major hotels like RWS) and this type is only available at TBG. 

It would have been the best burger if the patties are  chargrilled to give it the additional smokiness. The cheese could be a little more savory and creamy as these harden after a while (probably mozzarella). Anyhoo, it's definitely better than what i had at Omakase which was overly soggy (read it here). MEH. 

Pulled Pork Burger ($11.50) is what reminded us of M in terms of texture. The flavor comes close with the sweet Asian spices but feels more American with the sauce. 

All burgers are served with a side of garden greens topped with a sweet balsamic dressing and a rich potato salad. I swear there is more to their potato salad than just pepper and salt but I couldn't get an answer out of the act blur dudes. Could it be some fish stock, bonito maybe.. You try and figure it out.    

It's hard to get me to finish a burger on my own but it wasn't an issue this time because they were too delicious. I even took up the offer of another burger. The Chicken burger is actually a Curry one. It is strong on the Indian spices and sesame oil but it's not spicy. Would like a little more salt or spice in this one. 

Make it a set meal for $5.50 to get a dessert and a hot coffee/tea. It's absolutely great value for money with full service. TBG doesn't claim to be the best burger in Singapore but it's a better burger than most IMHO.

Would love to try their scones and pies. Heard the lamingtons are very good as well. Drop by in the afternoon for their tea sets from 3-6pm (mon-sat) for only $6.

Oh and if you really love their burgers but want a grill out in your home, TBG also does raw burger kits for you to impress your guests. Prices are the same as the regular burgers and comes with sides too. I should be doing that soon. ;)

For being so unpretentious and awesum, i'm favoriting this. NOMS.

Two Blur Guys
Orchid Hotel, 1 Tras Link #01-13
Tel: +65 6636 4183
Mon-Sat: 11am - 9.30pm

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Nothing says reunion dinner better than a Steamboat gathering with family and friends. It's quite symbolic i feel, with the various ingredients contributing to a pot of delicious broth to be shared among all your loved ones; just like how we contribute to every relationship we are in. Anyhoo, here's one more place to have a steamy Hot Pot session and it is Danro Japanese Hot Pot, the 1st Japanese Hot Pot buffet restaurant in Singapore.

Located at NEX at Serangoon Central, Danro serves specialty hot pots from different prefecture in Japan. There are 8 traditionally soup bases specific to various regions in Japan, all painstakingly created and prepared by Executive Chef Sonoda-san. 

You'll get to choose 2 flavors for your communal pot. I would highly recommend the Wafu Broth, a light miso taste to help you better savor the flavors of the ingredients. Nara's Chicken and Milk Broth, as well as the Tokyo's Tonkotsu Broth are also very popular with the diners, both providing a rich and milky base from the boiling of the bones for hours. Spice lovers would love the Chicken Spicy broth which has enough kick, but not enough to kill like the Chinese Ma La hot pot.  

A selection of cold Japanese appetizers are available. I very much enjoyed the cold soba, as well as the special Onsen eggs in light soy. They were the most appetizing and refreshing dishes that acted like palate cleansers after all that meat in the steamboat. 

The sushi selection is not huge but they are made fresh and all lovingly prepared by hand in the kitchen.  The rice is of the right stickiness and are well seasoned with vinegar. 

On to the meat section. Here you get your Japanese sliced shabu shabu beef, sliced shabu shabu pork, shoyu marinated pork ribs, shoyu marinated diced chicken. While the meat is not of the highest marbling, it'll have to do considering the low prices you'll be paying. I'm just a little concerned about the yellow fats as i'm used to the marble white sort. But i was reassured by the CEO Ms Lena that it's normal and the color varies. 

The seafood section includes salmon & hamachi kama, crab surimi, fresh squid, fresh shrimps, white shell clams, Japanese fish cake & fish balls, fresh fish of the day. There's a selection of processed balls (special recipe by Danro) as well as assorted Japanese and local vegetables including lotus roots, Japanese leeks, white radish and mushrooms. 

Dip into the sourish Ponzu sauce (very good for the meats), shoyu, Sesame goma sauce, spicy togarashi sauce and beaten fresh eggs. DANRO has also specially prepared sambal chill sauce for local Singaporeans fans who have specifically requested for this house-favourite. They should really sell their sambal in bottles. It's fantastic. 

While waiting for your food to cook, you could also dig into the cooked food that is available. I went straight for the Oden because nothing is more comforting than biting into a broth soaked piece of radish. The little fishcake bears are also the kiddie's fav.

I have to say i was quite impressed with the standard of the cooked dishes. While there is nothing Japanese about them, they are quite well prepared local favorites. Kids would love the fried dumplings and nuggets. 

Danro's specialty is their Kiritanpo, an Akita tradition. These grilled rice skewers are fixtures at hot pots. Chef Kazunori Sonoda would first pound and mash freshly cooked Japanese rice, form cylinder sticks by hand, brush special sweet sauce and miso for flavour, and toast them on an open fire till the outer layer is slightly crisp. These rice sticks can be dipped into the hot pot soup, or enjoyed with one of DANRO’s specially made dips. 

Some accommodation to Singaporean taste has been made with additional seasoning added to the rice sticks. Remember not to dip them in the soup for too long because mine disintegrated. :( 

Cakes and fruits are available but i decided to play with the soft serve machine instead. The ice cream was really milky and sweet, a little on the icy side but it satisfied my need for a sweet ending to my meal. Remember to throw in some cornflakes and rainbow sprinkles.

For $16.90++ for weekday lunch and $24.90++ for weekend dinner (for adults), you'd be able to enjoy the steamboat with free flow drinks. Children and senior citizens enjoy a discount so bring along the whole fam! 

DANRO Japanese Hot Pot Buffet by MOF

Serangoon NEX #02-04/06

Tel: +65 6634 4608

Mon-Thurs, Sun & PH: 11.30am - 3.30pm; 5.30 - 10pm 

Fri-Sat & Eve PH: 11.30am - 3:30pm; 5.30pm - 10.30pm

I was just a little disappointed with this year's birthday celebration(s) because the new job doesn't allow me to spend the entire week celebrating and not go to work. Boo! Also, the jetlag caused both S and i to be yawning throughout my birthday dinner at Rakuichi (read review here) and then miss our Gold Class movie. To make up for the underwhelming celebrations, S decided to surprise me with an overwhelmingly beautiful treat at Jaan, Swissotel The Stamford, Singapore. 

He gave me no clue other than telling me to be my pretty self. Boys, please be a little more specific even if you wanna spring your date a surprise. Dress code for one is very important. I had to tease the details out of him and he was very careful not to let the cat out of the bag knowing how much of a PI i am. 

I'm glad i didn't ask too much, if not we would have missed this beautiful sight. My very first sunset in Singapore, from the top, looking down on one of the most beautiful sight of Singapore. I could stand there and watch this forever but my tummy was protesting by then. 

Into the dining room we went and we were greeted by the stunning Murano crystal and silver free-form chandelier that spans the entire length of the ceiling. The view from Jaan's side is not as spectacular as Equinox's though i'm sure the food is more stellar. 

Our meal is designed by Chef de Cuisin Julien Royer, a young chef who brings with him the unique taste of Cantal, Auvergne, France. Growing up on a farm developed in him a great appreciation of pure and organic ingredients and 'simplicity' (so he says) in his dishes. Seasonal ingredients are used to ensure freshness and thus the flavors will be different each quarter you visit. Here is our 7 course Winter Prestige Menu.

Amuse Bouche- Chestnut and Lentil Hummus with cracker. Very interesting sweetness with a little of that spice from the lentils. 

Amuse Bouche- On the left, some fried cheese balls with sesame, fried chicken skin and the third a foie gras pate on cracker with a jelly broth (if i didn't get that wrong).

My stomach was starting to fill up a little and we are still on the Amuse Bouche! This is some soup, kinda Japanese style bonito soup, served with some bisque foam and rice pops and mushrooms (i think it's truffles).

Our first course: Wild Caught Langoustine and Avocado Canneloni, served on top of a light crustacean jelly, ikura and Oscietra Caviar. This is a light seafood dish which is served cold. I like how the jelly is bisque infused. Needless to say i polished every bit of this. 

2nd Course is one of my favorite dishes from Jaan. One of their signatures too. The 55' Rosemary Smoked Organic Egg with smoked rattes, autumn mushrooms and chorizo iberico. Perfect breakfast food that i would eat any time of the day. The smoked rosemary reminded me of our previous experience at Mikuni (read it here).

Third Course: Roasted Hokkaido Scallop, Viennoise, Musquee Pumpkin, in Beurre Noisette (a brown butter sauce that tastes nutty). Call me traditional but i thought there was a little too much done to the scallop ie the crumbly top. This dish was a little sweet for my liking but it's good nonetheless.

It's my first time having a Foie Gras done in a Chinese manner. This Grilled Landes Foie Gras in Autumn Broth is one of my least liked dishes at Jaan. Perhaps Julien wanted to add a touch of Asian to this traditionally french ingredient but that touch of the broth and chinese vegetables killed the dish for me. The liver had lost its emulsification after being soaked in the soup. I thought it was a waste of a good piece of liver. :/

After the Confit Atlantic Turbot Tournedos- the fillet mignon of the turbot was served, i concluded that Julien likes the color orange and he also likes it in the puree form. He probably also has a sweet tooth as the dishes tended to be a little sweet. The crystal clear oily fish was served with char-grilled leeks, Hokkaido corn, baby crayfish and Jus Dolce Forte. Nicely executed but not memorable. 

My phobia of pigeon was caused by Hibiscus in London, which served me a pigeon that looked and tasted like road kill. The only pigeon i can take is the Hong Kong roasted sort. The Hay Roasted Bresse Pigeon breast with confit leg by Julien was a whole lot better than Hibiscus' but it's hard to wipe that taste and texture out from my mind. If you are afraid of the gaminess, perhaps ask for something more well done. I enjoyed the organic beetroot, barley, Jus D'abats a lot better than the meat. 

Me with my scary pigeon. Gulps.

Selection of fine cheese with condiments would be served with a supplement of $35. I love the idea of cheese as part of my meal but somehow degustation menus always stuff me too full and i always have to give this a miss since S wouldn't finish it for me. :(

Desserts was the 4th Generation of Choconuts, a staple at Jaan but it is currently on its version 4. Sable Breton, textures of white, milk and dark chocolate in biscuit, crumble, aerated, creamed, meringue, flakes and ice cream form. There was also a surprise with those crackly pops in the chocolate bits. I thought my mind was playing tricks at first.. but..

The same thing appeared in the Petit Fours. A passion fruit sorbet served with crackly pops! It's like Julien's way of owning up to his little trick in the earlier course. Lovely chocolate bites here. Great sweet ending to our lovely meal. 

There are about 3 menus to pick from and the minimum is a 5 course for dinner. I kinda regretted not doing that as there is some wagyu or beef short ribs and you know how i love my red meats (not pigeon). So yea. Jaan, great place for the special occasion. 

Jaan
Level 70, Equinox Complex, Swissôtel The Stamford

Tel: +65 9199 9008
Monday - Saturday: 12 - 2pm; 7 - 10pm
Closed on Sunday and PH, dinner is available daily except PH.