Mr. Sanguine's Home

Been hearing about Botak Jones quite a bit lately so decided to drag the wifey down for dinner to see what the hype was all about. Botak opened up a new outlet in Ang Mo Kio recently which saved me the drive to the original stall in Tuas, which is on the other side of the world from where I live.

Bernie Utchenik aka Botak Jones was the original owner of Bernie's Restaurant and Bernie Goes To Town in Boat Quay. Having sold the the last restaurant back in 2000, it wasn't until 4 years after before he decided to get back into the swing of things. With Botak Jones, Bernie is determined to bring pub type food to the masses, which explains the locales he's chosen... a neighborhood coffee shop and a food center in an industrial park. He mans the grill and puts his personal touch into every plate served.

We started off healthy, sharing a Caesar Salad between the two of us. The salad wasn't drowned in dressing and you could actually taste the anchovy bits. Leaves were crisp and fresh, this one got our thumbs up. Overall a pretty good deal for $4.50.


It was all downhill after the salad as we started munching our way towards the thousand calorie mark. The Bar-B-Qued Chicken Wings wasn't exactly the kind of dish I would've ordered myself but the missus wanted them. I hate getting my fingers all greasy and I find it extremely difficult and ungratifying trying gnaw through middle bit of the wing. Anyways, this one didn't go down too well with us. It could have spent a bit more time on the grill. It was a little too flacid for our tastes though the marinade was tangy and different from the usual crop of BBQ sauces you've probably come across. A minute longer on the grill would have done it wonders. $1.50 each.


Next up was the Hot N Spicy Bratwurst the wife ordered for herself. We had our doubts upon being served the dish. It didn't seem too appetizing with that load of raw onions all over it. But with a bit of ketchup and mustard thrown on, it actually tasted a whole lot better than it looked. A nice crunchy dog, we liked it. $5.50 served with bun.


My Double Botak burger was smothered with cheese. The double 150 gram patties are a lot bigger than they look. Point of reference with wife's finger. Easily one of the best burgers I've had in a long while... and I've had quite a few in my time. Patties were thick yet juicy and evenly cooked through. I suspect they're boiled before being thrown on the grill. This one has a whole list of options which include bacon, whoopass con carne, fried egg, sauteed onions... the list goes on, one highly customisable burger. Served with fries and slaw for $9.00


Their menu is pretty extensive so it's best to ask for the printed version which includes some pretty corny descriptions. You can get anything from Chicken Gumbo to a 400gm ribeye steak. It's definitely pub grub with an attitude.


The grill was going non stop for the hour we were there.


Botak isn't too shy on proclaiming the goodness of his food.


The serving staff were prompt and attentive, quite a change from the regular kopitiam service. But then again, the food didn't come at regular coffeeshop prices either. Botak Jones can be found at the corner coffeeshop of Block 608, Ang Mo Kio Ave 5. They "usually" operate from 12-10pm. I shan't bother with the details of the Tuas stall, who goes to Tuas anyways?


*Update* The address of the Tuas outlet is Sungei Kadut Eating House, 32 Pioneer Sector 2.