Weekends are not just for getting drunk, they’re also pretty much the only time I get to explore new bars & restaurants like @theparlourmirage. A fresh new bar that slings out Japanese dishes like yakitori platters & rice bowls alongside a bevy of beers straight from the tap, it’s my kinda place.⠀
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The Chef’s Choice 1 yakitori platter ($15 nett) is categorised under ‘Grand Opening Special’, but I hope it’s a permanent menu fixture. It even comes with two sides, and I selected the very odd options of one deep fried mantou & some guacamole. As for the grilled goods themselves, they’re gloriously gratifying.⠀
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The meats are all glazed in a titillating teriyaki sauce, and the pork belly (the duo of skewers at the front of the plate) was utterly unctuous. Felicitously fatty & marvellously meaty, each tender bite of porcine was positively pleasurable thanks to the addictively sticky sweet & salty flavours that were accentuated by the smokiness of the grill. The tsukune (chicken meatballs) behind it were kind of disappointing as they were dry & powdery in texture when I bit into it. Still, the teriyaki sauce was faultless, and I really appreciated the little bits of sweet onion that were thoroughly incorporated into the meatballs.⠀
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As expected, the chicken thighs behind the tsukune were juicy, satisfyingly meaty, and sensationally sumptuous, thanks to the dynamic duo of teriyaki sauce & the charcoal grill. I usually hate eggplants/aubergines with a passion, but Mirage’s eggplant skewers might just help me to see the light. Seasoned with salt & yuzu, these gloriously grilled veggies were satisfyingly savoury with a sweet tang thanks to the yuzu that’s been applied. Y’know what, eggplant? Perhaps I judged you too harshly.⠀
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As for the guac & fried mantou, they performed as expected. I was a little annoyed at the meagre amount of guacamole given, but it’s a free side dish after all. ⠀
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So, what else can I say about Chef’s Choice 1? Well, when a chef makes choices this excellent, you’re in for a fabulously flavoursome fun time, and your enjoyment is no delusion.