Nothing beats the excitement of a new restaurant opening. The only catch is that you always run the risk of having a so-so meal. Not so at established names that put out fresh menus: You already know the place is good, but still get some novelty out of the deal. Two well-known names that have just updated their offerings include casual Japanese restaurant Tampopo and Peranakan celeb chef project Violet Oon’s Kitchen. The Japanese joint now has black pig truffle fried rice ($18.80) and black pig spare rib ramen ($17.80), which make great use of the tender premium pork. And at Violet Oon’s there’s dishes like buah keluak pasta ($23)—covered with a sort of rich pesto made from the black nut—and chili crab pizza ($27). Plus, a cool Nyonya buffet for Mother’s Day on May 12. The food’s not the only reason to head there too. Oon’s kids—son Yiming and former-model daughter Su-Lyn—are some real attractive folks, plus you also stand the chance to meet the local cooking legend herself.
