Rasputin at Clark Quay - Singapore

[GIVEAWAY BELOW]

Headed to Clark Quay last week to join a few other bloggers for a tasting at Rasputin, to celebrate Russia's Independence Day. We were invited to just hang out and experience what Russian Cuisine is like and I have to say... It really is an acquired taste for many dishes. Rasputin is one of the only 2 Russian Restaurants in Singapore that serves authentic Russian cuisine. And while there, there were a couple of Russians who came in and ordered a whole lot of dishes, with repeated orders of the same dish - Pelmeni. I for one, didn't think that that particular dish was as good as how the Russian customers did. Though it was nice to see how they thoroughly enjoyed their meal. But it was still decent enough for me to clear the most of my dishes.

The indoor decor was mainly a pub layout with plush red seats and a bar where you can stand around and order drinks. After 10pm they usually would clear out all the tables both indoor and out, and make it a dance party. So if you're looking forward to trying out their food, do try to head over from 5pm-10pm.

So to start of with, we had the:

Shuba Salad - A combination of smoked herring and beetroot on a stack of tightly packed potatoes. 

I really like this quite a fair bit as the dish is really refreshing and feels very light with is very mild flavored. Although at first sight it may look like raw red meat squashed into a pile. But if you are a beetroot lover, this is really something different to taste. It isn't very overpowering and... No, it doesn't stain your teeth.

Pelmeni - Dumplings made with unleavened dough filled to bursting 
                   with ground meat and onions.

This particular dish was the one favorite among the Russian customers. Especially the kids who ordered  for this dish over and over again. It is served together with sour cream. But I personally prefer it without the cream. Compared to our Chinese Dumpling (饺子), this is really mild in taste. But still, it was good enough for me to finish the whole dish.

 Borsch -A hearty soup made with beetroot and beef

Again, not a fan of sour cream. But it seems like its something they would always like to add into their

dish for flavour. Somehow it kinda reminds me of a CRUMPLER bag design. How strange.

Well after mixing the Borsch, it looks like this. But personally this was one that I wasn't able to stomach. On most occasions, I would love anything with beetroot in it. However, this is probably the first I didn't feel as excited having, unfortunately. The taste of the sour cream was overpowering. And if you're one who likes the taste of sour cream, then this is for you. As this was one that Tony from Johor Kahki really thinks is kinda good.

 Beef Straganov - Delicate silvers of sautéed beef served in a sauce with
                                  Smetana.

Beef served with mashed potato. The potato is so smooth and buttery that it melts in your mouth. But unfortunately, this is also one that ends with me not being too impressed. The presentation isn't a WOW, and neither was the main part of this dish. It kinda taste slightly gunky. But it's again, an acquired taste I believe. As the Europeans do have a different palate than Asians.

 Syniki - Home-made pancakes served with Cottage Cheese

Here are pancakes with cheese, served yet again, with sour cream. The pancakes are nice for cheese lovers. I actually did find this really tasty to eat for the whole of 1 pancake. But after I was done with the first one, the second one seemed too much for me. Not that I was full. But rather more of me getting sick of having more than 1. So if I went back, I'd still order this. But I'll have to make sure that I share it with someone else.

E-ler, the manager, trying to set flames on the Chicken Sashlik using a glass of Absinthe.

Chicken Sashlik - Chicken pieces marinated with a unique blend of spices 

                                 and grilled to perfection 

This is more like our usual Chicken Kebab with pan fried potato. Upon serving, they will add the flames in front of you. So if you're trying to impress a (Russian) date, this is a must have on your menu! (Self-explanatory)

Coulibiac - A hearty filled pie with a unique combination of salmon, 
                      eggs, rice and mushrooms. 

This is definitely something that I dare say many of you will love! I know I did. The crust is crisp enough and the fillings are just a tasteful blend of everything in it. Having 1 that night wasn't enough that I had to ask for a second serving, This is also their specialty and it's not everytime that the cook will be preparing it. So if you're lucky, you might get to try it when you're there!

(HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - HIGHLIGHT OF THE NIGHT)

Bliny Mushrooms - A traditional pancake stuffed with savoury 
                                    mushrooms 

I'm a self declared mushroom lover. And most of the time, anything with it I'll just take a go at it. This dish tastes like a wrap stuffed with mushrooms in it. Nothing fancy or particularly impressive. But it didn't taste bad either. Having only 3 tiny pieces on it, if you're there with an almost full stomach, maybe this is just a side tidbit you could order to share.

 Yazyk - Thin silvers of beef tongue over a bed of greens with horseradish

The most INTERESTING dish of the night I must say. Cow's tongue! (I can see you squirming) As usual, only the adventurous foodie Tony was the brave knight who was willing to taste it. And turns out, he really liked it. I'm unable to give any reviews for this dish since I haven't had the galls to put it in my mouth and chew it. But if you were feeling adventurous, maybe you could try it and leave a comment below on what your thoughts are for this dish!

Here's Tony being professional and trying to get a good frame of the foods. You can check out his reviews here!

So alas we've reached the end of this review. Or rather, I have finally finished this long post! So here are some vouchers to giveaway to my viewers! All you got to do, is simply:

1) Like me on my Facebook Page

2) Follow me on my Instagram 

3) Click the SHARE ON FACEBOOK button below to share this post

4) Tell me your name and email add in the comment box below, or pm me at my FB page so that I can contact you for your vouchers

Anyone can enjoy the voucher that is valid through Sept 2014 and I will be giving 2 vouchers per viewer who would like to try out Rasputin. Each voucher is $15 and you can use as many vouchers for a single person. That's the best part of it!  --- Terms and conditions apply.

Luv,

Millie