Vanilla & Breakfast

Privé Bakery Café: The Ambience, Burger & Wine

2011-01-25T00:34:00.001+08:00

Prive at Keppel Bay is the perfect place for brunch, dinner, and a romantic date. I’ve been there so many times for brunch and I guess this is the first time I went there for dinner. Needless to say, the view and ambience is even more stunning in the evening. No doubt, I’m absolutely in love with the place. The serene and peaceful environment makes you just relax and enjoy your meal with your companion. This is pure pleasure :x

Alright.....let’s move on to the food!

N.Y. Burger ($26)
200g Wagyu Patty, Melted English Cheddar, Crispy Onions, Aioli, served with Fries

Prive’s wagyu burger is probably one of the best burger I had recently. Medium done beef petty was succulent and moist. Strong beefy flavour all hidden within this burger. I feel this is just as good as Dallas’s wagyu burger except that it is smaller in portion. The fries are crispy and fragrant with toasted bun which is delicious on its own! The next time I will go for their L.A. burger, with a fried egg to go along with the wagyu burger. :D

Slipper Lobster Linguine ($25)

I didn’t think highly of Prive’s pasta initially. But to my surprise, they are not bad at all. Pasta was done al dente with the slightly spicy tomato sauce. And they are quite generous with the lobster meat as well. However, I do feel the sauce could be more flavourful like the seafood pasta from Cugini. Nevertheless, it was satisfying.:)

As the night falls.....it’s time for some desserts and wine!

Sticky Date Pudding ($10)

If people ask me to recommend one dessert that they must try at Prive or Cafe Hacienda, I will usually recommend their sticky date pudding. I know many of you feel that Marmalade Pantry has the best sticky date pudding. But to me, prive's rendition is better. Soft and warm interior, served with vanilla bean ice-cream and butterscotch sauce is the best dessert I have that night.

Frangelico Ice Cream Profiteroles ($10)

A pretty dessert with no substance which I shall not elaborate further.

Prive at Keppel Bay, see it, feel it and love it. :x
And I can't wait to go back soon! ;;)
Click here for full menu.

Privé Bakery Café
2 Keppel Bay Vista
GF Marina @ Keppel Bay
Tel: 6776 0777

Gelato on a rainy day

2011-01-13T23:23:00.001+08:00

(Back: Hazelnut; Front: Pistachio & Bacio)

Frigidarium gelato on a rainy day. What a great satisfaction! :x

If you've not tried it yet, you are really missing out a fabulous gelato.

Read my previous review here and here.

Dezato Desserts & Dining

2011-01-10T21:13:00.001+08:00

All thanks to Xinli from theMoose that I finally visited Dezato Desserts & Dining. Like him, I love the laid-back atmosphere of the restaurant especially with the friendly Chef Derrick which makes the whole dining experience memorable. Food here are nett price and this is indeed an attractive deal to us.

Both of us had the Grilled Salmon with Sashimi & Tempura set ($15.90). This set is especially good for those who wish to try out a bit of everything. Salmon sashimi is thick and fresh, with the soft moist texture that tasted so delightful. :D Tuna sashimi, on the other hand, paled in comparison to its salmon counterpart. It has lots of tendons which I do not enjoy at all.

I changed my Teriyaki Salmon (2nd picture) to Butter Yaki Salmon (above) which fortunately turns out even better than the Teriyaki Salmon. The butter yaki salmon is moist with the sweet, savory sauce which added as a plus point to this dish. It taste especially good when eaten with the steaming hot rice. :)

If I have to choose a highlight for this meal, it will certainly be the Tempura. The tempura was done perfectly and I must say that they are pretty generous with the portion as well - 2 prawns, 1 eggplant, 1 red pepper and 1 sweet potato. The batter is crisp and thin and still taste wonderful even when it is cold. I love the prawn tempura the most, with the moist and crunchy texture on the inside. :x

Just when we thought we were done with our meal, the waitress came over and served us a complimentary dessert which comes with the set. The dessert of the day is Grape Jelly which I unfortunately do not really like. It tastes a bit like white grape with….rose maybe? Haha. The only thing I enjoy is probably the grape hidden inside the jelly. :P

Lunch at Dezato is certainly great with the wonderful company I had. I was pretty amused by the false fire alarm that occurred during our meal as well. Snap, eat and run later? ;;)

Read Xinli's review on Dezato here, here and here.

Dezato Dessert & Dining
20 Lorong Telok #01-01 Singapore
Tel: +65 6532 1284

Dallas Restaurant & Bar

2010-12-26T21:49:00.001+08:00

Dallas’s affordable set lunch has always been well-received by executives working at CDB area. The reviews on hungrygowhere are pretty positive as well. It took me more than a year to finally try it out despite the fact that I’m always in the vicinity. I came here for one reason – to try out their wagyu beef burger that many had raved about besides their famous ribs. Right now they have a Christmas set lunch & dinner which are both available till end of December. 2-course set lunch is priced at $19++ and 3-course set dinner at $29++. You may wish to check it out here.

Frankly speaking, both starters were mediocre and rather ordinary. I shall skip directly to the wagyu beef burger - the savior of the meal.

Potato Rosti with Smoked Salmon

Prawn Salad with Asparagus & Mango

Wagyu Burger (+$6)

Oh man, this is seriously an excellent burger. Thick and juicy beef patty was done medium-well. It was so tender with a nice smoky flavor especially with the barbecue sauce and caramelised onions. The burger bun was toasted evenly and it went really well with the quality beef patty. The fries were pretty tasty as well, crispy and well-seasoned. I want more, and more of it!:D

I didn’t manage to have any desserts as I was pretty full after the meal. Or rather, I was extremely full. Next time probably!

[picture taken from Dallas's facebook page]

Oh, by the way, if you are adventurous enough, you may wished to challenge yourself with The Dallas Beast Burger ($38) - A whopping 500-grams of char-grilled prime beef stacked with bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles and mayonnaise, served on an enormous 9-inch sesame seed bun (description from Dallas's website). Who knows? You might just be the next winner of the beast burger challenge! ;)

Dallas Restaurant & Bar
31 Boat Quay, Singapore
Singapore, Singapore
Tel: 6532-2131

Bistro Du Vin

2010-12-19T07:12:00.000+08:00

Located along the Shaw Centre, this charming French bistro by Les Amis Group has probably one of the best value lunch set. For only $28++, you get an appetizer, main course and dessert. I was pretty skeptical on trying out Bistro Du Vin initially as I’ve heard both positive and negative comments about the food here. Fortunately, this visit had been surprisingly delightful.

The complimentary Baguette came warm and crusty. Spread some butter on the toasted baguette, this is certainly a great start to the meal ahead.

Cream of Pumpkin with Garlic-cheese Croutons

Friend is an avid fan of pumpkin soup and I’m not surprised that she chose this for appetizer. The cream of pumpkin was mild and sweet with the garlic-cheese croutons that certainly add on flavor to it. In fact, I find the soup really nice and addictive that I wished that I have one bowl myself!

Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Salmon

The scrambled eggs were done perfectly, just the way I like, with the right consistency and texture. And the smoked salmon definitely complement well with the eggs.

For the main course, friend had the French Duck Leg Confit (+$6), served with Brussels sprouts and mustard sauce.

The duck confit was very crispy on the outside, with the skin tasty and flavourful. However, there’re some parts of the duck confit which was slightly overdone which result in burnt parts on the skin. Fortunately, the tender meat managed to save the slight imperfection. Bistro Du Vin’s duck confit was not bad, but I still feel that The Black Sheep Café does a better duck confit, and also the best I’ve tasted so far.

While the duck confit didn’t impress me much, my main course certainly did. I had the Catch of the day, which is Pan-fried Norwegian Salmon with fennel and capers.

Now this is the real deal. Salmon was done excellently, crispy on the inside, and a melt-in-the-mouth texture on the inside. Cutting through the meat revealed a fresh pinkish undertone. This is absolutely brilliant. I wished I can tell you how awesome this is but you just got to try it out yourself. I was lucky to be able to get the Norwegian salmon because just minutes after I placed my order, it was sold out for the day (replaced by panfried seabass)! In fact, I saw one table of four who all had the Norwegian salmon as their main course. Friend was eyeing my salmon throughout the meal while I was happily indulge in heaven. But of course, I did share some with her.:)

Both main courses come with French fries, or you may change it to mashed potatoes. Nothing fanciful, but I like the crispy fries. ;;)

The desserts on the lunch set didn’t appeal much to us so we decided to change to other desserts on the ala carte menu.

Grand Marnier Souffle served with vanilla ice-cream (+$4)

The soufflé was extremely light and fluffy with the Grand Marnier discernible but not overwhelming. The simplest pleasure indeed.

Chocolate Fondant Cake served with vanilla ice-cream (+$4)

It’s been such a long time since I’ve been “wowed” by a chocolate lava cake. The chocolate fondant cake was remarkable. Rich, bitter and thick chocolate lava flows out instantly upon the first bite. Cake was soft and moist and chocolate lava remains flowy even to the very last bite!

Seriously, I can’t find any flaw in this dessert. And I shall declare this as my favourite chocolate fondant cake of the year! Besides, for less than $10 on the ala carte menu, I thought this is a pretty good deal for such a terrific chocolate fondant cake!Yumm..

The service here had been very pleasant but I only have one issue with the noise level. The restaurant can get pretty noisy with the lunch crowd and this makes conversation extremely difficult. But with the satisfying meal I had, I don’t think it’ll be long for me to come back again.;)

Bistro Du Vin
1 Scotts Road,
#02-12 Shaw Centre
Tel: 6733 7763

The Plain: A Pictorial

2010-12-10T09:44:00.001+08:00

Cafe Latte

Pastrami Ciabatta

Darling's Eggs

Orange Peel Chocolate Brownie

Check out the menu here.

The Plain
50 Craig Road #01-01
Daily, 730am - 730pm
6225 4387

Forty Hands

2010-12-01T23:47:00.001+08:00

40 hands is a quaint, little cafe hidden in Tiong bahru, not far away from Caffe Pralet. As the name suggest, 40 hands coffee means an average of 40 hands are required in the production of coffee, from plant to cup. Using only fair trade coffee, they seek to promote a sustainable coffee economy and support coffee grower in the developing country. Their coffee is the main reason why I'm here.

Flat White ($5), full-bodied and rich aroma. This is definitely good to perk me up.

The Truffle Mushroom Sandwich ($8.50) on whole wheat toast is served piping hot. Truffle mushroom was so full of flavour and it taste incredible. This must be probably my most preferred mushroom sandwich. If you like the wild truffle mushroom skinny pizza from barracks, you'll love this too. :)

Besides coffee and sandwiches, they serve quite a few nice decadent desserts too.

The Chocolate Tart ($5) was highly recommended by the staff and I am pretty pleased with my dessert. Bittersweet chocolate filling is rich and smooth. The tart base is slightly thin but still good in my opinion. Frankly speaking, I prefer this more than Laurent's chocolate tart! ;))

Forty Hands is a nice place to chill out and for a good cup of coffee. If you happened to be in the area, do give it a try!

Forty Hands
78, Yong Siak Street (Tiong Bahru) #01-12
Tel: 6225 4623

The Book Cafe

2010-11-25T23:32:00.000+08:00

If you are looking for a nice, cozy place for a cup of coffee or to do some quiet reading, The Book Cafe might be the perfect place for you. The ambiance here is pretty relaxing, with soft music playing in the background. You may even order just a cup of coffee and sit down there for the whole day, no one will disturb you at all. The staff are quite friendly and they definitely make sure you have a pleasant moment in the cafe. :)

The Book Cafe is also one of the few places that serve all-day breakfast. Even though my Egg Benedict ($14.90) was not spectacularly delicious, I still polished my plate clean. I will probably appreciate it better if the poached eggs are less sour. Other breakfast items available include omelette, pancakes, french toast etc. Their breakfast items are priced slightly higher than other cafes nearby such as Epicurious Cafe and Kith Cafe. But I guess, it is the relaxing environment and friendly service that drew customers back again. ;)

The Book Cafe
20 Martin Rd #01-02
Seng Kee building
Tel: 6887 5430

Smiths Authentic British Fish & Chips

2010-11-22T16:08:00.002+08:00

The latest buzz at Tanjong Katong road is undoubtedly Smiths Authentic British Fish & Chips. It is almost impossible to miss this restaurant especially with the bustling business in the evening packed with fish & chips lovers, mostly of which are Caucasians.

You can choose to dine-in or takeaway. However, the restaurant is pretty small, which can only occupy a maximum of 30 diners. Do go early if you wish to get a table. :)

The great thing about Smiths is they do not have service charge or GST! All you need to do is go to the counter, make your order, make payment and the staff will issue you a queue number, where you wait to collect your fish & chips!

In Britain, haddock and cod are the most common type of fish used in fish & chips. At Smiths, you have a choice of dory, haddock or cod. I decided to go for the Haddock Fish & Chips ($16) as recommended by the staff and friend who tried it before.

The portion of the fish is huge! The batter of the fish is extremely crispy without being too oily. I love the firm texture of the haddock fillet that is so fresh and flaky. Its been such a long time since I had such a terrific fish and chips. Add a splash of malted vinegar and salt over it, this is fantastic! :x

The only disgruntle I have is the home-made chips. The chips are not as crispy as I like it to be even though I got the freshly fried chips. I certainly had better ones before. Perhaps I'll do without the chips and go straight for the fish the next time I come back. I also had the Mushy Peas ($2) for my sides. This is so simple yet palatable!

I am pretty satisfied with my meal at Smiths. I'll probably try out the cod or salmon fish cake on my next visit! ;;)

Smiths Authentic Fish & Chips
230 Tanjong Katong Rd
Opened till 11pm

Itacho Sushi: A Pictorial

2010-11-17T22:07:00.001+08:00

Itacho Sushi, currently my favourite place for affordable, fresh and delectable sushi.

Hokkai Don
Salmon, Tuna, Scallop Sashimi, flying fish roe and Crabmeat. They have one of the best value lunch set which cost only $12.50!

Fresh sashimi and well-seasoned rice that tasted so good on its own!

Curry Lobster Tamago (Only available at Plaza Singapura branch)
Tamago is served piping hot and it is so moist and soft. Curry lobster is certainly flavorsome and compliments with the tamago very well.

Salmon with Soy Sauce, Scallop & Aburi Salmon Belly

Aburi Salmon Belly that simply melts in your mouth and the succulent, sweet Scallop. Heavenly :x

Aburi Otoro (Tuna Belly)

Supreme Anago Sushi

Anago Sushi
I think this taste better than the supreme anago, it is so soft and moist. I love this. :x

Salmon Sushi

Curry Lobster Gunkan

Itacho Sushi
Available at:
1. ION Orchard #B2-18
2. Plaza Singapura, #02-35

Malga Gelato & Other Ice-cream Delights!

2010-11-13T05:48:00.003+08:00

Chase away the blues! An ice-cream a day keeps the troubles away! I’ve been having lots of good ice-cream recently and I’m going to share with you one by one. The first one I’m going to introduce is Malga gelato.

Frankly speaking, I’ve never tried many gelatos from Japan before and I never knew how good it was until I tried it on Thursday. The texture of the gelato is incredibly smooth and light; fruit flavors using natural ingredients that makes it luxuriously good and each flavor that is so distinctive in taste. I love it so much that I went back for their gelato the next day!

The Strawberry Sherbet (above) is my favourite among all. Luscious strawberries pulp embedded within the sherbet is simply amazing, each mouthful with bursting strawberry flavor. While it may seem boring to choose the Vanilla gelato, you are so wrong. Not many places can make this flavor so well, only Malga. Vanilla is so rich in flavor and if you look closely, there are peaks of vanilla beans inside! :-*

Matcha lovers must definitely try the Green Tea Gelato. The strong matcha flavor with a slight bitterness is love! Malga’s fruit flavors are really awesome. The Raspberry Sherbet packed with berry goodness is very refreshing and hint of sourness just like the actual fruit itself! =D>

Malga Gelato is currently retailing at Hokuriku Fair at Isetan Scotts Supermarket and ending this Sunday (14 November). Try it before it's gone!

Tom’s Palette

As a tiramisu-lover, I must say I really enjoyed Tom’s Tiramisu flavor a lot. This is one of the best flavor created by them and they usually sold out pretty quickly (except for this month because of the newly-created Salted Egg Yolk flavor which was sold out faster than Tiramisu – must try it too!) and they only have it on the second week of each month on Friday. The Rum & Raisin flavor has adequate amount of rum and plump juicy raisin is a perfect match to the Tiramisu! :x

The Daily Scoop

The Daily Scoop’s ice-cream with its smooth, creamy texture is not heavy on the palate at all. Tom’s Palette and TDS are probably the only two ice-cream parlors that make salted caramel ice-cream exceptionally well. Salted Mr Brown is salted caramel ice-cream with brownie bits. The salty flavor hits me instantly upon the first mouthful and it really whets my appetite! Butterscotch Pecan which they do not make frequent is a must-try too! And I must mention that they are extremely generous with their scoop of ice-cream as well. :D

Cedele’s Cloud Nine Ice-cream

Cedele’s eggless ice-cream is made fresh weekly with no trans fat and are vegetarian friendly. Earl Grey & Fig ice-cream is a brilliant comination! Earl grey flavor is aromatic and refreshing, and the chunks of figs hidden within paired so wonderfully with it. This is wickedly awesome! ;;) I will not talk about the other flavor that I’ve tried, which is Salted Caramel as it wasn’t as good as Tom’s or The Daily Scoop.

And I’m done with all the yummy ice-cream! I’m making you hungry before breakfast!
Lick the screen ;))

Cedele All-day Breakfast

2010-11-04T05:50:00.000+08:00

It's always great to know more places serving all-day breakfast right?
I love Cedele's Sandwiches, and now, I'm loving their all-day breakfast. :)

Caramelized Banana Pancakes with Sausages ($12.90)

Just when I thought I've tried most of the good pancakes around, Cedele surprised me completely with the softest pancake ever. Sweet bananas embedded within the soft pancakes are such a delight! I love the uneven shaped pancakes and slightly charred surface which makes the pancakes more aromatic and fragrant. Dipped into the thick maple syrup, I'm in heaven. ;;)

Apple Cinnamon Pancake - without sides ($9.50)

Apple and cinnamon is the best combination ever created. And apple cinnamon pancakes? The smell of the pancakes was pure ambrosia. Need I say any further? :)

Scrambled Eggs (+$2)

Many brunch places serve scrambled eggs. Ordinary dish but certainly hard to make a good one. Cedele certainly has one of the best scrambled eggs, second to the one at Food For Thought. Very creamy and buttery.

Thank you Cedele, you make me love you even more. :x

Cedele All-Day Dining
Raffles City Level 3
#03-28A Raffles City Shopping Centre

Takashimaya Shopping Centre
391 Orchard Road
#B1-37 Takashimaya Shopping Centre

Wheelock Place
501 Orchard Road #03-14
Wheelock Place

Great World City
#01-01/02 Great World City

LivinGreens - Guiltless Lasagna!

2010-10-30T10:59:00.001+08:00

I have patronized LivinGreens for a couple of times now but it is only recently that I know from myfoodsirens that they have other mouth-watering vegetarian dishes which I’ve never tried before. I decided to order the LivinGreens Lasagna ($8.50) which was highly recommended.
Guiltless Lasagna, who wouldn’t want it?;;)

I must say I was pretty impressed how awesome this is! Each layer is packed with chockfull of vegetables such as eggplants, mushrooms, red and green peppers etc. Instead of the usual lasagna noodles, they use soya paste to replace it. Wheat-, gluten- and dairy-free lasagna, even my friend who doesn’t eat much vegetable gave thumbs-up to this! This is indeed, a well-executed vegan lasagna. :)

I went back a few days later and tried the Vegan Quiche ($8), which is a daily special. The taste is a little similar to the lasagna but with a firmer texture. A mixture of tofu, soya paste and diced vegetables with the outer crust made from chickpeas! This is really delectable. I couldn’t decide which one I like more, the lasagna or the quiche as both are really delicious!

Lasagna is available everyday while the vegan quiche is only available on certain day of the week. You may want to check out their daily specials on the website.

LivinGreens
325 Beach Rd
Mondays to Saturdays
11:00am to 08:30pm

The Coffee Nations

2010-10-16T23:05:00.000+08:00

I love to roam around in Bugis, especially in the vicinity of Haji Lane where I discover all the quaint little cafe and restaurant. Friend and I wanted to stop by somewhere for a cup of coffee. It didn't took us long to find a great place to hang out - The Coffee Nations.

The staff led us to the second floor, where I was pretty astonished of the cozy and relaxing atmosphere. We sat by the window, loosening our tight muscles on the comfortable sofa and admiring the people outside through the window.

The Amaretto Latte has a distinct almond flavour which my friend really enjoyed but not for me. :P I had the signature Honey Cafe con Leche which is honey with espresso and milk. I like the subtle sweetness of the honey which lingers in my mouth. Both of us agreed that the coffee here is really aromatic. :)

We wanted something sweet to go along with the coffee. But sad to say, the Chocolate Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice-cream was not at all fantastic. There is no chocolate lava to speak of and it taste more like a brownie. If only this could be better, it will be the perfect sweet ending.

If you are looking for a quiet place to do some readings or have a cup of coffee, The Coffee Nations may be the perfect place to go. Their menu is pretty extensive, serving pastas, mains, sandwiches and some light bites too. You may wish to check out the menu here. There are many quaint, hidden cafes at Haji Lane which I will definitely check them out. Don't worry, I will share with all of you, one by one. ;)

The Coffee Nations
17 Bali Lane
Singapore 189853

eM by the River

2010-10-09T09:36:00.004+08:00

This could possibly be a great place for Sunday brunch...

or a awesome place to chill out..

with great breakfast food..

Eggs Benedict, certainly on my top 3 list

Eggs Florentine

Eggs Royale

American Breakfast

or even with a not so fantastic Pancakes...
at least we got a great company - Xinli & friends, Glenn

Good food, nice place, great company

but an atrocious service

Thank you eM, I truly had a memorable service experience.

You may wish to read a more detailed review by Xinli here.

eM by the River

Gallery Hotel

1 Nanson Rd, Singapore 238909

6836 9691

Quick Lunches - Sandwich On The Go!

2010-10-02T20:11:00.001+08:00

Whenever I need a quick lunch, the first thing that came to my mind is sandwiches. I can find them anywhere, anytime and they are usually the simplest, most comforting food for me. Well-toasted sandwiches with delicious fillings, it can be as satisfying as my bowl of rice. :)

Freshly Baked by Le Bijoux has been around for quite some time but I haven’t got a chance to try it out until recently. This bakery-café is owned by Chef Audrey Tan, a former executive pastry chef at Saint Pierre. Apart from homemade breads, sandwiches and cakes, Chef Audrey’s creations also includes old school bakes such as butter cake, kueh lapis etc. which really brings back the nostalgic memories of the past in this cozy cafe.

I was there in the late afternoon and I just want a simple sandwich to fill me up. Smoked Salmon Sandwich ($8.20) it is. Generous amount of smoked salmon with cream cheese spread and tomato confits is certainly good. The tomato bread served with it was fragrant and soft but the hard crust makes it difficult for me to masticate. I wanted to choose walnut raisin bread or multi-grain bread initially but they ran out of it. I guess I’ll have to return again to try it out. Oh, and I must try out the crunchy salted caramel tart too!

Another one of my favourite sandwich joint is Cedele. Organic, wholesome goodness all hidden within a simple sandwich. My all-time favourite would certainly be the Rosemary Chicken Sandwich ($7). Sweet cranberry sauce with chunks of chicken was such a great match together. Not forgetting to mention the homemade breads which I love. I usually choose rye bread, multi-grain bread and wholemeal linseed loaf for my sandwiches. Somehow I feel that their bread tasted good on its own! Other sandwiches which I usually order include shrimp & avocado, beef pastrami, totally grilled veggie tofu and grilled mushrooms.

Love subway? Love Quiznos!

Tender beef slices topped with mushrooms, sauteed onions and cheese, drizzled with honey bourbon mustard and zesty grille sauce. Sweet and savoury flavor all hidden within the Zesty Steak Sandwich. This is indeed fabulous! I think their Parmesan bread was so much better than Subway. Don't you think so? Yum yum..

Sandwich is my best friend. How about you?

Strictly Pancakes

2010-09-22T22:03:00.003+08:00

When I heard that there’s a new pancake café opening in town a few weeks ago, I could barely contain my excitement. Oh yes, any place with all-day breakfast thrills me. Besides, this is an all-day pancake café! Sounds enticing isn’t it? I think I’m mad insane when I head down to the café on their first day of operation. ;))

But I'm not alone. Many breakfast patrons who heard of this novelty café came down to try out too. The cafe was full house by noon and was so crowded that they even had to turn down some customers. I especially like the cosy corner on the second floor when you get to enjoy your pancakes on the comfortable sofa.

Garlic & Herb Butter with Maple Syrup

Their menu is pretty simple. There is a variety of choices to choose from for savoury or sweet pancakes. Or alternatively, you may customize your pancake order by choosing the size of your pancake (short, medium, large), type of butter (salted, unsalted, garlic & herb, rum & raisin) and any other sides to go along with your pancake. For the savoury pancake, it comes with choice of butter and a shot of maple syrup.

Chicken A La King ($11)
Medium stack of pancakes with chunky chicken slices served with cream sauce and sweet onion slices.

I was expecting more chicken slices as the name suggests, Chicken A La KING. But sad to say, it only came with three slices. Luckily, the chicken slices are pretty tasty and tender especially when paired with the cream sauce. The pancakes are moist and soft, which are similar to those of Mac’s hotcakes. Only difference is that it doesn’t have the chewy texture of Mac’s hotcakes. I wished that they provide free flow of maple syrup too! They charge a dollar for extra maple syrup!

What-A-Spread! ($10)
Peanut Butter Pancakes layered with Nutella served complete with Kinder Bueno and a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream.

I couldn’t quite taste the peanut butter flavour in the pancake but the thick spread of nutella within the pancakes was simply heavenly. Well, nothing can go wrong with nutella right? It tastes great with anything! This really drives me sugar high. What-A-Spread!

I really like this all-day pancake café concept even though there were some hiccups on their first day of operation which I felt was inevitable. As for the pancakes, some people may like their soft and thin pancakes while others may prefer thicker and fluffier pancakes. I have friends who tried Strictly Pancakes and are not impressed by their pancake creations. Taste is subjective afterall. It has been a satisfying brunch for me but I'm not sure whether I'll return again. I think I still prefer my eggs over pancakes. ;)

Strictly Pancakes
44A Prinsep Street
Singapore 188674
6333 4202

Brunch at Hatched

2010-08-29T19:15:00.001+08:00

Breakfast. How many times have you heard me ranting on the most important meal of the day? With the breakfast craze still going around like wildfire, I guess many people would not stop hunting for their favourite breakfast place in town, not at least for me.

Hatched has been opened since October last year with its all-day breakfast concept, which is similar to Wild Honey at Mandarin Gallery. Located at Evans Lodge, it may not be the most convenient place for breakfast or brunch, but the nice relaxing environment is perhaps one of the reasons which drew many to this restaurant. Brunch this time was with Daniel and girlfriend, where we enjoyed a lovey weekday brunch

The cute utensil is the first thing that attracts our attention. Well, I guess Hatched really prides themselves in their egg creations.

I love eggs and I couldn’t help but to order Philly ($12) – omelette stuffed with strips of steak, onions, peppers, tomatoes and topped with cream cheese, served with a slice of toast.

The steak is tender and moist which really surprised me. However, the omelette was slightly bland and I have to season it with a bit of salt. The portion is quite filling considering the size of the omelette. I’m glad I also added on Chicken Chipolata Sausage ($4) as the side too. The juicy sausages are really scrumptious!

Where’s waffle?

Crispy waffle ($12) with soft moist centre, drizzle with maple syrup or have it savoury! Add on $4 more and enjoy the waffle with black forest ham and sunny side up. Nice smoky flavour of the black forest ham is delicious. And with the mouth-watering sunny side up, dip the waffle into the runny yolk or eat it whole! However, I can only watch in envy as Daniel’s girlfriend savour in delight.
/please
Who loves fluffy pancakes? Me me!
And here’s a Pancake Party!

Three thick fluffy pancakes ($10) are so good. The portion is humongous, just like the one I had at Wild Honey. However, I say the pancakes taste much better here! The caramelised apple, cream and maple syrup go so well with the pancakes. Now I really regret not ordering the sweet breakfast items! Lucky me, pancakes portion are way too much even for a guy like Daniel. He generously offered me a second serving. I couldn’t resist the temptation of course and…more pancakes for me! :D

The pancakes come in duo portion ($8) as well. If you think you can finish three thick pancakes, go ahead and enjoy it! Daniel also had the Wilted Spinach ($2) as the side but it was way too salty.

We are fortunate that there isn’t much crowd on weekday afternoon. Service is really pleasant and our food was served pretty fast. The price is much affordable than Wild Honey with no GST and service charge. However, Hatched’s egg creations didn’t quite impress me though. It was the pancakes and waffle which blew my socks off. Ironic isn’t it? If I were to return, I would probably go for the sweet breakfast items. Do check out their blackboard for the desserts too.:)

By the way, if you are a NUS student, you get 10% off total bill!

Hatched
26 Evans Road
#01-06 Evans Lodge
Tel: +65 6735 0012
Closed on Monday

Miki yo!

2010-08-26T20:08:00.010+08:00

Miki yo! is the latest froyo outlet that I’ve stumbled upon at Suntec City recently. What actually caught my attention of this little yogurt branch is the toppings which they offered. Besides fresh fruits and cereals, they have mochi and various flavored jellies as well. I had the original flavored froyo with milk jelly and blueberries. I like that the froyo is not too sweet, which somehow resembles original flavored Yami Yogurt but smoother in texture. But of all, it doesn’t melt too fast! The milk jelly has distinct milk flavor which I really love it. :)

By the way, is froyo a guiltless treat?
Maybe and maybe not. Check out the sugar content and you may be surprised. ;;)
And some people say froyo is the best ice-cream substitute? Do you agree?

Miki yo!
#01-140G Suntec City Mall
Outside Carrefour

Wild Honey II: The Sweets

2010-08-19T06:42:00.003+08:00

If I happened to crave for breakfast when I’m in town, the first place that comes to my mind is unquestionably Wild Honey at Mandarin Gallery. My previous visit with the lip-smacking Tunisian breakfast had truly left a deep impression. I promised myself to return, and this time for the sweet breakfast. A great way to kick-start the day isn’t it? ;)

Sweet Morning ($18) it is. The French toast was done nice and soft. Stuffed with sweet peach and drizzled with maple syrup, it is certainly a delight. I couldn’t be much happier when I saw vanilla cream with peaks of vanilla beans served by the side. Spread a generous layer on the French toast and I was rewarded with instant gratification. It may sounds really exaggerating but I really love it! :D

The humongous portion of the Canadian breakfast ($18) almost gave me a shock when it was served to us. Three really thick stacks of fluffy pancakes served with crisp bacon, mixed berries compote and maple syrup. The pancakes are fluffy and soft, one of the better ones I had. However, I do feel they can be more generous with the maple syrup. One small jar definitely is insufficient for 3 thick pancakes. More maple syrup please! I feel that I can do without the salty crisp bacon and the mixed berries compotes which was really sour. :( This is one breakfast you either love or hate it. I bet guys would really love the massive portion as it should satisfy their “bottomless pit”. :p

I have a love-hate relationship with Wild Honey. They have this alluring factor which makes me come back for more even though I know the steep price does not justify for the quality of food. Despite having some hits and misses on both visit, I know I will return again. An irony? Maybe. I can't help but think again, "What breakfast should I try next?" ;;)

Wild Honey
333A Orchard Road
#03-02 Mandarin Gallery
Tel: 6235 3900

Dreaming of Scones

2010-08-16T20:35:00.001+08:00

[photo credit to smittenkitchen.com]

Where can I find good and yummy scones? Some recommendation please?

I have a sudden craving for these cute little baby. ;;)

Max Brenner Chocolate Bar

2010-08-15T00:13:00.006+08:00

Max Brenner has been my favourite place for a comfort hot chocolate drink. A friend of mine has been pestering me to bring her to there as she has been wanting to try out their hot chocolate. Without any hesitation, I recommended the Italian Thick Hot Chocolate ($7.90). The hot chocolate comes in dark, milk or white chocolate version and both of us had the dark version. Sip a big mouthful from the mug as the thick chocolate glides down your throat. It is so luxuriously thick and smooth. Absolutely heavenly :) The difference between their regular hot chocolate and the thick hot chocolate is the addition of vanilla cream that makes it so rich in flavour. This is one drink all chocolate lovers should not miss. Try it and I'm sure you will crave for more ;)

Max Brenner
8 Raffles Avenue, #01-06/08 Esplanade Mall
Singapore 039802
Tel: 6235 9556

Barracks at House

2010-08-09T21:40:00.002+08:00

Dempsey, it is undoubtedly one of the favourite places for a Sunday brunch. I fall in love with this place since my very first visit. This time I decided to head over to Barracks at House. The alfresco, casual dining is the key factor which attracts a brunch lover like me. Besides, I also love its simple deco, retro furnishing in the restaurant and the glass windows which provide a wonderful view of the lush greeneries.

I needed something sweet to kick start my day, and 7-layer Pancake ($15) is the perfect solution to a sweet brunch. With spreads like nutella, chopped nuts and dried fruits hidden within each layer, it provides a nice contrasting texture. They call it, the 7th heaven...

For a moment I thought the pancakes taste like Macdonald’s pancakes, but I changed my mind on second thought. The pancakes are light, but not fluffy. Drizzled with maple syrup, this is one pancake that drives you sugar high. Just imagine, Nu-tella, maple syrup with pancakes, totally sinful yet satisfying! However, I would still prefer my thick and fluffy pancakes from Riders Cafe. ;))

For a hearty brunch, you may wish to try out Barracks Freeform Eggs ($18). It is actually a breakfast platter where you choose the style of eggs you want, served with sausages, tomatoes and mushroom ragout. The scrambled eggs I find slightly plain, and would be perfect if a splash of cream is added for a more robust, creamier texture.

I feel that so long as brunch is enjoyed with great company, food is always secondary. And with the efficient service and friendly staff on a busy Sunday, I am satisfied. :)

Barracks at House
8D Dempsey Road
#01-01 to 06 Tanglin Village
Tel: +65 6475 7787

Sneak-a-Peek!

2010-08-08T21:56:00.000+08:00

7 layers of wonders. Coming up soon! :D

The Black Sheep Cafe II: My favourite duck confit

2010-08-01T22:32:00.000+08:00

I'm back at Black Sheep Cafe once again for the ever lovely Duck Confit. And without doubt, the duck confit is really delish, which I think is even tastier than before. Crispy duck skin with tender and juicy duck meat is simply scrumptious. In fact, I'm loving the duck confit even more! I may need to return again when my "ducky" craving kicks in. ;))

People, do try out The Black Sheep Cafe. This little gem may just surprise you. ;)

Read my previous review here.

The Black Sheep Cafe
35 Mayo Street
Singapore 208316
92721842 or 6292 5772
Closed on Sunday

Tom's Palette - Simply Irresistible

2010-07-28T23:39:00.001+08:00

I’ve been a loyal fan of Tom’s Palette for over a year now but it didn’t occur to me to blog about this wonderful ice-cream parlor until now. I tried many new ice-cream parlors but somehow Tom’s Palette has this unique feature that makes me fall in love with their ice-cream over and over again. I am constantly looking forward to my next visit. Their ice-cream is velvety smooth and creamy that makes it so irresistible. Each time I embrace with new surprises, new flavours that always blew me away. ;)
It is only Tom’s that never disappoints; using the most basic ingredients to bring the best ice-cream to all ice-cream lovers. Only Tom’s.:)
Each time I patronize Tom’s Palette, I am always indecisive in choosing the flavours. All the flavours are really remarkable; I wish I have space for a few more cups!
My all-time favourite is the Apple Pie (left). I love anything cinnamon and Apple Pie with bursting cinnamon flavor is so delectable with small chunks of apple and pie crust. It goes really well with the Longan Red Date (right) flavor too. Longan Red Date is so robust in flavor with the sweet dried longan and red dates. It reminds me of the refreshing longan drink with I enjoyed very much. This batch of Longan Red Date ice-cream is so much better than the previous batch I’ve tried. If you have not tried this awesome flavor, please try it out soon!
For me, I really can’t make up my mind which is my favourite flavour. In fact, I have many favourites like the salty caramel, buttered pecan, chocolate sorbet, nuts & such, blueberry cheesecake etc. Besides, I have two other flavours which I really wanted to try it out such as the pistachio and tiramisu. I'll be checking their calendar really closely now. hehe ;))

Check out their facebook for more updates.

Tom's Palette
100 Beach Road #01-25
Shaw Leisure Gallery S(189702)

Breakfast #06: L.O.V.E

2010-07-27T10:44:00.001+08:00

[photo credit to pbandjenny]

How great it is if you wake up every morning to see this on your dining table? :)

Flor Pâtisserie

2010-07-26T23:50:00.002+08:00

I guess I need not introduce further the new patisserie opened by Chef Yamashita, former chef of Patisserie Glace. Flor Pâtisserie is a Japanese-styled patisserie serving authentic Japanese inspired French pastry meticulously prepared by Chef Yamashita, where he shares his sweet creations to both his Japanese and local fans.

Here at Flor, Chef Yamashita has kept some of his signature cakes like the Strawberry Soufflé.

The light baked cheesecake layered with fresh Chantilly cream and strawberries is so cottony soft and smooth. The strawberry soufflé is extremely light and fluffy with a slight hint of lemon. It is so luxuriously good with the fresh cream and sweet strawberries. One forkful after another and it was almost impossible for me to say goodbye even till the last bite. This might just be the only strawberry soufflé which I love. :x

Waguri Millefeuille is Chef Yamashita’s rendition of Mont Blanc. Delicate strands of French chestnut cream carefully piped over a sandwich of crisp, flaky puff pastry and pastry cream, topped with sweetened Japanese chestnuts.

I really enjoyed the buttery, flaky millefeuille which was perfectly caramelized. It is really incredible. However, I’m not quite a Mont Blanc fan and couldn’t appreciate the chestnut cream like my friends did. I do feel it was a little sweet for me.

I love the Chef Yamashita's strawberry creations and I couldn’t resist Napolean.

The crispy puff pastry layered with pastry crème, soft sponge and strawberries tucked within the light crème Chantilly is simply heavenly. It is a little similar to the Waguri Millefeuille with the puff pastry layers but I definitely prefer the latter. Like the strawberry soufflé, Chef Yamashita managed to send me flying to strawberry heaven again.;)

Another of my favourites got to be the Tahiti which is coconut dacquoise filled with passionfruit mousse, and topped with fresh pineapple. The coconut dacquoise layer is certainly light to my surprise. It is such a perfect match with the tangy passionfruit mousse that is not too sweet and really refreshing. I didn't expect myself to love passionfruit pastry that much. But having tried Kki’s Kinabaru and Flor’s Tahiti, I was simply blown away with such a terrific combination.;;)

My dining experience has been really great. With Chef Yamashita’s friendly smile and the excellent service, Flor is definitely a place I want to go back again. :)

Flor Pâtisserie
#01-01, 2 Duxton Hill
Singapore 089588
Tel: 6223 8628

Missing Frigidarium

2010-07-20T09:50:00.002+08:00

I've been to Frigidarium for a couple of times now and I must say all the flavours that I've tried so far did not disappoint. Dark Chocolate & Bacio was such a wonderful combination together. Bacio with strong nutty aroma of hazelnut chocolate was really good. Think Ferrero Rocher, think Bacio. Both flavours were full with chocolately goodness, definitely able to satisfy my chocolate craving for the day! ;) Frigidarium has also improved their recipe for the Italian Pistachio which I feel was even nuttier, fragrant and better than before! That being said, that is definitely my favourite nut flavour now!

They have quite a few new flavours recently such as Avocado, Champagne, Perssimon, Banana Sherbet and Latte. They sound really tantalizing. I guess it's time for another visit soon :)

Check out my previous review here.

Frigidarium
146 Market Street, #01-40
Market Street Car Park
Close on Sat & Sun

Botan Japanese Restaurant

2010-07-19T09:47:00.002+08:00

I’ve long heard of Botan for its affordable bento sets. Besides, the restaurant is very popular among the lunch crowd and it usually operates at full capacity. It is almost impossible to get a table unless reservation is made.

All lunch bentos come with chawanmushi, miso soup and fruits. I had the Botan Bento ($25) which includes assortment sashimi, tempura, sunomono, grilled mackerel, and simmered tofu with chicken karaage.

My lovely friend had the Chirashi Bento ($28). Both of us were shocked when we saw humongous portion of food. The Chirashi section (below) includes thick slices of salmon belly, tuna, kanpachi, snapper, hirame , cooked ebi, kamaboko, tamagoyaki and tobiko on top of sushi rice. The side dishes were similar to my Botan Bento with an additional teriyaki chicken and potato salad. Oh my, this set can seriously feed the two of us! :-O

Their bento set is really value for money, given the generous portion of food. But I do feel the food quality can be improved especially for some of the side dishes. I like the thinly battered tempura, which was really crispy even when it’s cold. Sashimi was decent as I had better ones before.

I guess what makes this restaurant so popular is not just because of the affordable bento sets, but also the cosy ambience and friendly service that won the hearts of so many people.

Outrageously Hungry? Go Botan ;)

Botan Japanese Restaurant
36/37 Pekin Street
#01-01 Far East Square
Tel: 6536 4404

Sunday brunch @ Double Bay Restaurant: Not your usual Egg Benedict

2010-07-14T23:45:00.000+08:00

Double Bay Restaurant, an Australian dining and bar, offers a cosy contemporary atmosphere located right in the heart of Raffles City. I’ve been here a couple of times and each visit has been memorable. When I found out they serve Sunday Brunch. I knew that this is one place that will not disappoint. And I’m pleased to say, I love brunch at Double Bay. :)

If you have been following my blog, you would have noticed that I’m a big fan of Eggs Benedict. Browsing through the Egg Benedict’s section has never been more enjoyable. They offered a few unusual egg Benedict’s which you can’t find elsewhere, such as Roast Strawberry Benedict & Corned Beef Benedict. I had Corned Beef Benedict ($15.90), topped with sautéed potatoes, caramelised onions, soft eggs and drizzled with hollandaise sauce. The eggs were done perfectly, with lots of yolk lava soaking the toasted muffin. And best of all, no slightest hint of the sourish vinegar. It was absolutely scrumptious. The tomato coulis at the side provided a sweet and tangy flavour which was a wonderful match to the delectable eggs benedict. I am certainly impressed by their food once again. ;;)

I love Egg Benedict at Epicurious Cafe and I love the ones here too. I can’t decide which is better as both are equally good. However, I feel that Double Bay offers much more than Epicurious Cafe. The comfortable setting, cosy ambience and less the usual brunch crowd, this is certainly my favourite place for Sunday brunch now. Besides, the variety of choices for brunch, impeccable service and the location is a plus point for them!

Now you have another great place for brunch ;)

Double Bay Restaurant
252 North Bridge Road #01-22A
Raffles City Shopping Centre
Tel: 6334 6530
Sunday Brunch: 10am to 4pm

The Egg Tart Battle!

2010-07-11T21:49:00.002+08:00

On my previous post on KFC Portuguese Egg Tart, many foodies highly recommended Tong Heng’s Egg Tart. Tong Heng has been around for many years and I really wonder what is their secret which captivates the heart of so many foodies.

Tong Heng’s egg tart ($1.40) has a shape resemblance to a boat unlike the usual Chinese egg tart. The shortcrust pastry’s texture taste like biscuit, nice buttery flavor with a flaky, slightly firmer crust. The egg custard is smooth and wobbly but I find a little too sweet for my liking. The sweetness seems to overwhelm the "eggy" taste which I like in egg tart. By the way, I have a question: What are those small little holes all about?

I head over to Leung Sang next, where they sell Hong Kong pastries. I remembered Ice recommended their egg tart and I was lucky to get one straight from the oven. Leung Sang’s egg tart ($0.90) is very flaky and crispy, the crust is very similar to Portuguese egg tart where you see layers of tart crust. The egg custard is also less sweet compared to Tong Heng. The smooth egg custard with the wonderful crust is certainly good!

I actually prefer Leung Sang’s egg tart than Tong Heng. But I must say that both egg tarts are very different from each other, in terms of pastry crust and egg custard. For those who preferred a sweeter egg custard may enjoy Tong heng’s egg tart more than I do. Taste is subjective afterall.;;) Both shops are located pretty near to each other, you may wish to drop by to try it out!

2 egg tarts and a satisfying breakfast. Yumm..;)

Tong Heng's Confectionery
285 South Bridge Road

Leung Sang Hong Kong Pastries
18 Sago Street

Black & White: A Pictorial

2010-07-05T09:33:00.001+08:00

Chalk @ Mount Sophia

2010-07-04T08:59:00.000+08:00

I love Sunday brunch :x

Creamy scrambled eggs with smoked salmon & avocado on toast...

...or with bacon, sauteed vegetables & mushroom

It is pleasing to the eye and simply scrumptious..

...and that is the reason why I am always looking forward to brunch, all-day as always ;)

Chalk is definitely one of my favourite place for brunch now :)

Chalk
11 Mount Sophia, #01-03
Lunch, 12pm - 3pm
Dinner, 6.30pm - 10.30pm
Tel: 6883 2120

Canele's Opera Cake

2010-06-30T23:17:00.001+08:00

Opera - coffee butter cream, dark chocolate ganache, biscuit joconde with espresso, dark chocolate glaze

After reading Ice's post on Canele New Opera, I made my way down to Robertson Quay a few days later to get this lovely cake. I almost squeaked in delight as I slowly indulge in this piece of dainty and exquisite creation. Indeed, this is undoubtedly one of the the best Opera Cake. The moist almond biscuit soaked with espresso is almost like eating Tiramisu, with savoiardi biscuit soaked with coffee liquor. The bitter chocolate ganache was a great complement to the moist almond sponge and butter cream. Each layer was distinctive in taste and the whole combination has a good balance of coffee and dark chocolate. This is one good Opera Cake, absolutely divine and really addictive! :)

This visit to Canele is truly unforgettable, especially with the wonderful Opera Cake. I certainly would like to try out more of Canele's new creations on my next visit! L'amour L'amour, Chloe and Tart Citron, here I come!
Yummm...

Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie
11 Unity Street
#01-09 Robertson Walk
Tel: 6738 8145

Al Forno

2010-06-28T23:33:00.000+08:00

It’s been a long time since I had an authentic Italian pizza, and I’m glad the meet up with Harris brought us to Al Forno Italian Restaurant at East Coast Rd. Al Forno which means “from the oven”, prides itself for their traditional Italian wood-fired pizza, using the finest ingredients imported directly from Italy.

Here at the restaurant, you can see the Italian pizza-maker making the pizza dough and cooking it in the wood-fired oven. No kidding, their pizza truly lives up to its name. ;)

We waited anxiously as we watched the pizza-maker flipping and tossing the pizza dough. Freshly made wood-fired pizza smells really tantalizing. We had the Pizza Costiera ($22) as an appetiser, topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, squids and prawns. This is truly remarkable. Thin, crisp based pizza with fluffy, chewy dough around the edges. The slightly burnt edges gave a splendid aroma and taste that was truly breath-taking. And not forgetting the fresh ingredients on top that added a plus point to the pizza. Needless to say, we enjoyed every bite.:)

Now I’m craving it even more...yumm

Spaghetti Al Nero Di Seppia ($23)

I’ve always been a fan of squid ink pasta and I must say I was quite disappointed with the ones here. The squid ink was unevenly distributed and it was quite tasteless. But I was really impressed with the freshness of the seafood. Pasta aside, I helped myself to most of juicy clams and scallops instead.

Lasagne ($23)

The hearty portion of lasagne was rather tasty but it proves to be a wrong choice for mains as we were pretty filled up from the pizza we had earlier on.

I like the homely feel at Al Forno but as the night descends, the restaurant can become pretty noisy. Most patrons came with families and it’s not surprised to see some kids screaming around. Reservation is highly advisable if you do not wish to queue. Although the pasta didn’t quite meet my expectation, I know one thing for sure, I love their pizza!:)

Al Forno Italian Restaurant
400 East Coast Road
Singapore 428996
Tel: 6348 8781

Breakfast #05: KFC Portuguese Egg Tart

2010-06-28T08:24:00.000+08:00

Do you prefer HK Style Egg Tarts or Portuguese Egg Tarts?

I :x both. As long as it is freshly baked from the oven!

BLIC Ice-cream Cafe

2010-06-23T23:27:00.003+08:00

Ice-cream parlours have flourished all over our tiny little island, from homemade ice-cream like Tom’s Palette, Island Creamery etc to the well-established B & J. And there are quite a few new players this year, such as Ice-cream Kingdom and BLIC which I’m going to blog about next.

I met up with Harris last weekend where we had an excellent wood-fired pizza at Al Forno. But before that, let’s head over to his favourite ice-cream cafe that is located right in the heartland of Tampines!

The vibrant colours of the BLIC (Ben & Larry’s Ice-cream Cafe) are noticeable even from a far distance. And I’m surprised that the cafe was pretty crowded when we reached there at around 9pm. Before we knew it, the queue starts forming up!

Ferrero (top) was deliciously nutty with a strong hazelnut flavour. I adore it but wished that there are more crunch in the ice-cream. Perhaps with some wafer biscuit so that it taste even more like ferrero rocher? Hehe. Time for Larry to do more experiments! ;;)
The Chunky Peanutella (bottom) was definitely the best I’ve tasted. It was so rich in flavour with chunks of chocolate and peanut bits. This is certainly my favourite. Besides, the two flavours were such a terrific combination when eaten together! Just imagine eating ferrero with peanut butter, this was sooo good. :D

I came for their Tiramisu too, which Harris highly recommended. I was happily indulging in my 2 scoops of ice-cream when Harris informed me that Ben was going to make for us a Ti-ra-misu! I almost choked on my 2 scoops of ice-cream as I'm sure I’m pretty full at that point of time. However, this wonderful treat is definitely worth the wait and calories.

My eyes beamed with delight when the Tiramisu was brought over to us. It was seriously hard not to fall in love with it. BLIC’s rendition of Tiramisu really tastes like the real thing except that they replaced mascarpone cream with their tiramisu ice-cream. Layer of tiramisu ice-cream, layer of moist savoiardi biscuit and a dash of cocoa powder completes this delicate dessert. Without doubt, the tiramisu ice-cream paired beautifully with the bacadi-infused (yes, you heard me right – barcadi) savoiardi and they managed to balance the alcohol level of this dessert very well. It was simply heavenly. :-*

The tiramisu is not on the menu yet as they are still thinking how to price it. But from what I heard from Ben, there had been positive feedbacks on their tiramisu, based on those who had already tried it. Just like what I just mentioned earlier on, “It’s hard not to fall in love with it!” Please let this wonderful dessert be on the menu soon!
/please
I am so glad that the east has one more ice-cream parlour worth going for, with the smooth & creamy unique flavours like SCaM (comprising of soursop, calamansi and martini) or Mexican Vanilla and the popular choices of Ferrero, Blackie and Durian king. Besides, their ice-cream is pretty light like Tom's Palette and they uses all-natural ingredients as well. And as a new player in this market, I can see that they already have a group of royal fans. ;;) If you are willing to travel to the east, this is one good ice-cream cafe you should not miss! :)

I am truly stuffed and satisfied from all the yummy...while I was typing this, I am already dreaming in tiramisu heaven now...

Read more about them at Soshiok.com.

Price
Single Scoop Classic/Premium: $3.20/$5.20
Double Scoop Classic/Premium: $4.80/$7.80
Double Scoop Mix: $6.30

BLIC Ice Cream Cafe
Blk 802 Tampines Ave 4 #01-23

En Japanese Dining Bar @ Mohammad Sultan

2010-06-22T10:06:00.001+08:00

I always get excited over breakfast, tiramisu, and of course, my favourite sushi. I mentioned before Sushi Tei is one of my favourite hangout for good sushi and I'm so glad that I have one more favourite Japanese restaurant on my list. Last week, I stumbled upon En Japanese Dining Bar at UE Square and it was their 30% off sushi and sashimi promotion that caught my attention. Hungry me, the promotion is just too irresistible. I’m so ready to feast! ;))

For a start, I had half portion of Beef Carpaccio ($9). Thinly-sliced beef was so fresh and succulent. One slice after another, I just can’t stop!

Thick slab of Salmon Sashimi ($11.50) was served next. This must be the freshest salmon sashimi I had so far. Seriously even without any soy sauce or wasabi, the sashimi tasted so good on its own. The mild sweetness of the fresh sashimi just simply blew me away. :x

Needless to say, I love the Hotate Sushi ($6.50). And the Unagi Sushi ($6.50) was undoubtfully excellent. It was so soft and moist with the sweet kabayaki sauce. I almost wanted to order another serving! I would say it was just as good as the premium unagi sushi from Sushi Tei. What a great find!

The Tamago Sushi ($4.50) was decent, moist but not as sweet as I would like it to be. I also had a Sashimi Sushi Platter ($17 for 5 sushi) which I had totally forgotten to take a quick snap of it. I guess I’m too hungry. ;;)

I truly enjoyed my dinner at En Japanese Dining Bar. But not all things are perfect, especially for the sushi rice as it falls apart easily. However, given the fresh sashimi, friendly service and attractive price. I will definitely be back soon. :)

And from what I know from the waiter, En Japanese Dining Bar builds on a modern Japanese Concept of "Izakaya" which is widely popular in Japan, where they serve drinks like beer or sake to go along with the food. The working crowd in Japan enjoyed having a drink after work where they eat and chill with their fellow counterparts. They brought this culture back to Singapore and it is widely accepted here as well. I can see many groups having a great time eating and drinking!

Note:
*The 30% promotion is only valid for sushi, sashimi and handrolls from 6pm - 8pm. And do make a reservation if you are going in big groups. You can also check out their website for their Happy Hour Promotion.
*All prices stated above are before discount. But there is no discount for beef carpaccio.

En Japanese Dining Bar @ Mohammad Sultan
207 River Valley Road
#01-57 UE Square
Tel: 6735 2212

En Japanese Dining Bar @ Bukit Timah
557 Bukit Timah Road
#01-14/16 Crown Centre
Tel: 6468 5710

Macarons from ET Artisan Sweets

2010-06-17T10:31:00.003+08:00

Two days ago I did a sneak preview on the Gorgeous Looking Beauty - Macarons. I only managed to blog about it now once I've finished the macarons. And here it is, I bring to you ET Artisan Sweets!

Frankly speaking, it is hard to believe this is only my second time trying macarons. My first was at Jewels where I fall in love with the sweet and salty Black Palm Island Salt Macaron. I always had the impression that macarons are made up of tons of sugar and buttercream, which I feel that this dessert will be way too sweet for my liking. However, macarons from ET Artisan Sweets are about to change my mindset on the “seemingly cloyingly sweet dessert”. In fact, these gorgeous looking babies are absolutely divine. I wonder why on earth would I shun away from all these delightful treats. Now, I have one more dessert item on my list. ;))

Dressed in a beautiful box, these dainty, innocent-looking babies were placed carefully into the comfortable bed. The beautiful colours are pleasing to the eyes and the wonderful smell simply enticed my senses at that moment.

I must say, they are really awesome. Crisp almond shell, soft centre and slight chewiness on the inside, all within this little gem. The Earl Grey Bergamot is their limited edition flavour for this week. And of all the nine flavours I’ve tried, this flavour emerged as one of my top favourite. They are able to bring out the fragrance of the Earl Grey tea without leaving a bitter aftertaste. The earl grey ganache was a perfect complement to the earl grey macaron. It was really aromatic and excellent! :x I adore the Hazelnut flavour too. It has a subtle nutty flavour and tasted just like ferrero rocher. Give me smooth hazelnut chocolate and crispy pralines, I'm a happy girl ;;)

Black Forest, Salty Caramel and Berry Chocolate all contained 70% chocolate ganache. I am insanely crazy about dark chocolate and these 3 flavours totally won me over with the different combinations. The chocolate ganache is really rich and bitter, definitely for dark chocolate lovers. Black forest, with real brandied cherries nested within chocolate ganache was simply marvelous. =D> Salty Caramel best describe the blissful marriage of sweet and salty which totally works for me. Berry Chocolate has a sweet fruity aroma like Summerberry which I tried later on. However, I still prefer the former as I like dark chocolate more than strawberry buttercream.

Other flavours which I tried include Peanut Butter Jelly (chocolate PB ganache), Vanilla Bean (vanilla cream) and Lemon Raspberry (lemon curd). I feel the peanut butter flavour in PBJ can be stronger but still taste wonderful. While Vanilla Bean is not one of my top favourites, I still enjoy it because of the light vanilla cream. Lemon Raspberry really entices my taste bud with the sweet, tangy and sourish flavour. It somehow reminds me of the lemon & lime soufflé from Roast@1Rochester. This macaron may satisfy those who prefer a light fruity flavour, which is even more enjoyable after each bite. ;)

Although this may only be my second time trying real macarons, I must say the macarons from ET Artisan Sweets are really brilliant. I also heard about their famous chocolate tart but didn’t see it when I was there. While I was typing this, I’m starting to miss the Earl Grey bergamot. I wonder what is the next limited edition flavour. 8->

My quest for Macaron shall begins...Some recommendation please? :)

*Note: Earl Grey Bergamot is only available till next Wednesday! Get it now before it’s gone!

ET Artisan Sweets
32 Holland Grove Road,
Henry Park Apartments
Tel: 6468 6700
Mon - Sat: 9:30AM - 6PM
Check out their Facebook too

The Gorgeous Looking Beauty - Macarons

2010-06-15T20:27:00.007+08:00

Guess where does all these sweet babies come from?
Hint: This week limited edition - Earl Grey Bergamot

Review coming up soon. Stay Tune! :)

Smoke Shack

2010-06-09T17:32:00.001+08:00

Smoke Shack is a relatively new sandwich deli which opens at the busy CDB area. This New York-style deli offers a variety of delicious smoked-meat sandwiches which is not usually seen in normal sandwich shop. In fact, they have their own smoking machine where they smoke and slow-cook various kinds of meat, giving it an irresistible fragrance and tender soft meat.

I had the Roast of the Day ($10.90), roast beef sandwich with herb butter, sautéed onion, lettuce and tomatoes. The ciabatta bread came warm and soft with the beef slices really tender and juicy. I can see some of the pink undertone of the beefy flesh while munching on it! The smoky flavour of the beef together with herb butter was simply alluring. :)

NY-style deli is uncommon in Singapore and since this is my first time trying smoked sandwich, I really love it! But I do feel that it is a little pricy for the small sandwich. Well, perhaps I’m paying for the quality and not quantity. They have other sandwiches which looks tantalizing too. Now I have another good excuse to return again. If you are still hungry after eating the sandwich (like me), fret not, Frigidarium gelato is just nearby. ;)

*Roast of the day is only available on Wednesday & Friday
Smoke Shack
146 Market Street, #01-33
Tel 6557-2214
Close on Sat & Sun

F for Frigidarium Fabulous Gelato

2010-06-06T15:15:00.002+08:00

I was wondering about at Market Street after lunch when I saw Frigidarium. Given the extremely hot weather, I knew I had a perfect excuse to indulge in a delightful treat. I had real gelato in Florence before and I know it’s pretty hard to find a good gelato in Singapore especially with all the unseemly gelateria which claims to be authentic.

I stepped upon the cafe as if I’m a hungry hawk eyeing at all the gelato. Greeted by chirpy and friendly staff, it makes the whole service experience even better. I tried many flavours and am really spoiled for choices. Vanilla, yogurt, nuts chocolate and many more! I finally settled down with 3 flavours – Rum & Raisin, Pistachio and Hazelnut ($6.50). I had the first taste of the Rum & Raisin gelato that came fresh from the ice-cream machine. Oh boy, I fall in love with it almost immediately. It has adequate amount of rum flavour without being overwhelming to set you alcohol-high. The pistachio and hazelnut flavour was so aromatic and fragrance with a strong nutty flavour. Their gelato bears a resemblance to those I had in Italy. It is smooth and light, leaving my mouth fresh after finishing it. This soft and silky baby is that awesome. ;) Besides, their gelato are made fresh daily! If Tom’s palette has the best ice-cream, Frigidarium has one of the best gelato in town. That being said, I’m coming back for more!:D

Harris & Ice, you guys are experts in terms of quality ice-cream & gelato. Do try it and let me know your opinion. :)

P/S: I’ve yet to try Galta Gelato. Till then, I will know where my favourite and the best gelato is. Those who tried both, what is the difference and which is your preferred choice?

Frigidarium
146 Market Street, #01-40
Market Street Car Park
Close on Sat & Sun

Sweet Indulgence

2010-06-04T23:25:00.002+08:00

Sweet Indulgence. If you think that it’s a cafe selling all the sweet delicacies, you are half-right. Besides the irresistible desserts like tiramisu and chocolate lava cake, Sweet Indulgence is a bistro restaurant which offers a variety of tapas, pizzas, pasta and main course.

Simple bar counter, comfortable seating and dim lights create such a warm and cosy atmosphere. This is definitely the kind of place I fall in love with. Friend and I were led into the restaurant greeted with smiles by the friendly staff. Pleasant start to a great dinner.:)

We didn’t have any appetizers to start off with as we are saving for desserts later. The Aglio Olio with Spicy Prawn was highly recommended by the staff and it was really delish! The spaghetti was done perfectly al dente; each forkful was firm to the bite and delicious. And the sweetness of the crunchy prawn matches beautifully with the fragrance of the olive oil and spices. What I love best was the spicy kick that really zest up the whole flavour of the pasta. I will gladly return just for this. ;)

Then came the Pan-sautéed Salmon Steak. The salmon was so fresh and tender, nicely grilled with light seasoning and it just tasted good on its own. Paired with the creamy sauce and mash potatoes, it was really scrumptious.

And ending off our delightful dinner with their signature Tiramisu. Tiramisu is definitely one of my favourite dessert. The smooth mascarpone cheese and moist savoiardi fingers infused with coffee & kuala was absolutely divine. I happily indulged in my beloved tiramisu as each mouthful melts in my mouth. I like that the alcohol level was not too strong, allowing me to enjoy the sweetness of the delicate dessert. Look at it, she’s a beauty. :x

Service was impeccable, so were the food and ambience. Guys, if you want to please your girlfriend or your date, this is the place to go. A romantic dinner, soothing music and great desserts, no girl will say no. ;;) I would love to return to this place again for the signature chocolate lava cake that I’ve missed out. Their promotion changes every month so do check out hungrygowhere for more information.

Sweet Indulgence
2 Stanley Street
Tel: +65 6223 7707

Spruce

2010-05-31T09:22:00.005+08:00

In search of the best brunch places in Singapore, my next stop is Spruce! And I had the lovely company of Xinli and Vinleon from theMoose who joined me for brunch. :)

As much as I wished that I can enjoy brunch in the serene environment, the noisy and chattering patrons seemed to make it almost impossible. But I still love the outdoor seating where I can admire the lush greeneries.

My eyes beamed when I saw “The Benedict Collection”. Spruce Egg Benny on Fresh Corn Waffle ($14) it is, a nice change from the usual egg Benedict. I thought the whole combination was fantastic especially the corn waffle with bits of sweet corn embedded in it. Besides, the hollandaise sauce and leg bacon complement the waffle really well. But there was one problem, my eggs were overdone :(

Vinleon had the Spruce Big Brekkie – Scrambled Eggs with Bacon, German Sausage, Roasted Tomato, Roasted Potato, Mushrooms and Foccacia Toast ($18). I tried a little and all of us agreed that it was pretty ordinary. This is definitely good for those who like to try a variety of breakfast items.

Apart from the savouries, Xinli had a sweet breakfast - Banana Hotcakes with Honeycomb Butter and Blueberry Syrup ($13).

The portion was generous with 3 large pancakes which Xinli find it hard to finish it. I thought it was weird for them to serve the pancakes in a bowl instead of a plate. The pancakes were drenched in butter and syrup which result in unfluffy pancakes. It did looked very messy. However, Xinli seemed to be enjoying his pancakes though. ;))

Spruce may not be my top choice for brunch especially when I’m unable to enjoy my meal in a quiet, peaceful manner. But my fantastic company save the day. :) And judging from its popularity, I guess Spruce has its charm too. Reservation is a must especially on a weekend if you do not wish to queue for a long time to get a table.

Spruce
320 Tanglin Road, Phoenix Park

Caffe Pralet - My Favourite Matcha Cake

2010-05-26T20:16:00.006+08:00

Caffe Pralet by Creative Culinare was set up by Chef Judy Koh, in extension of her baking and pastry school. Located in a quaint corner at Tiong Bahru, this little cafe aims to provide healthy and nutritious food to customers. And of course, not forgetting the mouth-watering desserts!

Roast Chicken Avocado Sandwich ($8)

I must say this is one of my favourite chicken avocado sandwich. Simple as it is, but don’t be deceived by its look. The sandwich was packed with chockfull of fresh ingredients that made each mouthful so satisfying and pleasurable. The best part was the toasted panini that remains so crusty and crispy, even to the last bite! :)

Tofu Burger ($8)

This was one of their signature dishes. The key ingredient that makes this tofu burger stood out was the caramelized onion on top of the patty. It was simply scrumptious. But, I had a problem. The patty seems to slip off my bun easily!

One should not miss the cakes and desserts at the cafe that are freshly baked daily. The Signature Pralet Cake ($4.50) is the lightest hazelnut praline cake I’ve tried so far. Rich chocolate cake made with French chocolate nested on top of a crispy layer of wafer and a smidgen of edible gold. The chocolate content may not be as rich as Hilton’s Hazelnut Royaltine or Canele’s Le Royale but the chocolate mousse is unexpectedly smooth and creamy. If you like a lighter version of hazelnut praline cake, I will probably recommend this. For me, I prefer thicker praline base and bitter chocolate mousse. ;)

I’ve tried many rendition of matcha cakes before and none really impressed me. However, I’m proud to announce that I found the best matcha cake right here. For merely $3.90 per slice, this is a real deal. Green Tea Grateau is extremely light and soft; with the green tea mousse literally melts in the mouth. The moist sponge cake was not overly sweet and I really love the strong matcha flavour. The crunchy chocolate coated rice pops sandwiched in between the cake gave a nice twist to the otherwise, ordinary cake. This is terrific! :-*

We also had tea to go along with the cakes.
I was still afraid that the Bael Fruit Rose tea might smell too perfumery but to my surprise, the tea was so aromatic and fragrant with a subtle of sweetness. Berry Dream, on the other hand, was relatively refreshing and invigorating. The hit of sourness gives a good balance to the palate when paired with the cakes.

I really love the whole concept of the cafe. This cosy little cafe is definitely a great place to hang out. The staffs were really friendly and make it a more homely place for a simple meal or just the decadent cakes. Besides, the food is really affordable. If you do not like sandwiches, they do offer Asian and western food. Do check out their daily specials here.

No idea where to get a good and affordable cake for the coming Father’s day?
Well, I think I just found you an answer. :)

Chef Judy has a new creation – Japanese Mirin Cake. [centre] Though I’ve not tried the cake yet but judging from its looks, it is really enticing. And look at the cake decorations, they are really gorgeous. I believe all dads will be more than delighted to receive those cakes!

Caffe Pralet
17 Eng Hoon Street
#01-03/04 Eng Hoon Mansions
Tel: +65 6223 5595

Breakfast #04 : Starbucks

2010-05-22T16:34:00.000+08:00

A cuppa & blueberry muffin for you?

Republic of Steak

2010-05-19T21:38:00.020+08:00

A lovely meet up with Zaylene finally brought us to Republic of Steak (ROS) at Victoria Street. I love the steak at Aston and when I found out about the affordable steak at ROS, I am determined to try it out. Besides, it usually operates at full capacity during dinner time and makes me wonder what the buzz is about. Like Aston, ROS offers affordable steaks, burgers and pasta. And they have no GST and service charge too.

Both of us had the Set Meal (additional $6.90) which includes wild mushroom soup, drink, main course and dessert.

Wild Mushroom Soup

While it was not the best mushroom soup I’ve tasted, it was rather creamy with generous bits of mushroom in it. However, I feel that it will be better if the soup is served with toasted bread.

I had the Cowgirl Sirloin (180g for $12.50) for my main and requested it to be medium done. The steak was beautifully grilled and I am surprised that it was done pretty well. Each cut was thick and had a strong beefy taste.

Zaylene had the Republic Pork Steak ($9.90) with mushroom sauce. It was acceptable given that the pork steak was not dry. However, having tried the steak earlier on, we prefer the former instead. And sad to say, we didn't enjoy our sides very well.

For dessert, we had the highly recommended Molten Chocolate Lava Cake ($4.90). For the price, this is really value-for-money. It was certainly a delight slurping up the chocolate lava that oozes out. They may not use the premium chocolate to create this, but each mouthful is satisfying. Only disgruntle I had was the icy vanilla ice-cream by the side. Now I’m screaming for a really good vanilla bean ice-cream to go along with it!

Overall I feel that the food here was decent. Service was slow at times but they cleared our plates rather quickly. While I feel that the Sirloin steak was good, it somehow lacks the oomph factor which make me wonder if I will ever return again.

Where do you go for good & affordable steak? Any recommendations?

Republic of Steak
#01-01 Victoria Hotel,
89 Victoria Street

I Heart Power Walk

2010-05-18T19:54:00.003+08:00

[photo credit to powerwalkersworld.com]

I thought apart from blogging about delicious food, I will share with you the lifestyle I love. I believe many of you already know the benefits of brisk walking but...

...how many of you do you actually know about power walk?
Power walk is actually a more intensity walk compared to brisk walking. You usually walk at a faster pace and/or with weights (may not necessary be dumbbells). I believe most of our lifestyles are getting more sedentary especially when office workers (like me) spend most of the time sitting at work. People usually complain of insufficient time to exercise due to the huge amount of workload. However, I feel that this is just an excuse of getting away with a unfit body. :(

I am also one of the OL working from 9am – 6pm daily. I sometimes find it hard to squeeze out time to go to the gym especially after long day at work. However, I introduce power walk into my daily routine to ensure that I continue to live a healthy lifestyle (especially when I love to eat!) and not having any weight issue. For instance, I will spend my lunch hour walking (usually for about 30 minutes) to other areas just to buy lunch. Don’t be shock, the furthest I went was Orchard road. :-O Somehow I feel that it gives me more energy and focus when I’m back at work.

Girls usually tell me “But we shop & walk a lot! It constitutes to power walk as well!” Well, shopping I consider it as leisure walking. You do not sweat a lot and most of the time you are indoor! Sweating helps to release toxins in your body and helps you to relax. I-)

I consider power walk as a more advance level of walking. If leisure walk is level 1, brisk walking is level 2 and power walk will be level 3. Power walk is beneficial if you are trying to maintain build lean muscle gradually and it has less impact on the joints compared to jogging. Besides, it improves posture, joint movements and flexibility! The great thing about power walk is just like brisk walking – you can do it ANYWHERE! :D I remembered once I actually WALK back home from Orchard road which was like an approximate of 5.5km, carrying my heavy bag. =))

I truly enjoyed walking and I feel that I can incorporate it better into my daily lifestyle. Try it for a week and feel the difference! :)

Questions time!
1. Do you enjoy walking as much as I do?
2. How do you incorporate exercise into your daily routine?
3. Do you exercise just to burn off calories or you truly enjoy it?

Relax Bistro

2010-05-14T22:31:00.003+08:00

Dine, relax and unwind…

Relaxing in bustling Orchard road is certainly possible at Relax Bistro. The posh and elegant al fresco area made dining comfortable and memorable especially with the chic European deco. This is definitely a great place for friends to gather, relax and enjoy a simple or romantic dinner.

Bestie and I were delighted to have found Relax Bistro, a perfect getaway for both of us. We had the Set Lunch which comes with a soup of the day and a drink.

Cream of Tomato Soup

Tangy tomato soup was rich and flavorsome. The cream balance the sourness of the soup well which I felt really whets my appetite!

I am bias towards anything pumpkin. When I saw that the Grilled Chicken ($15.80) was served with pumpkin puree, I knew I certainly got to have it! Grilled chicken thigh was tenderly grilled and glazed with honey apricot mustard jam. The chicken skin was crisp with the sweet tangy flavor. It was enjoyable but it gets boring after a while. Funny, but I seemed to enjoy the side salad more. =))

We spent quite a while chit-chatting at the bistro when bestie asked me, “Why not we have some desserts?”

Well, I never say no to desserts! “One Tiramisu please!”

Tiramisu got to be my favourite Italian dessert and I’m so glad we had it! It never fails to excite me with the splendid combination of coffee, liquor and mascarpone cheese. I simply adore and love the Tiramisu ($9.80) here. Savoiardi (lady finger biscuit) was thoroughly soak with the coffee & liquor, the alcohol level was just right, not overpowering and it was so moist! :x

We were silent for a moment, looked at each other for one second, and I see her eyes smile. I knew what it means, “One more tiramisu please!” ;;)

…and we did!

I found one of my favourite tiramisu here at Relax Bistro, have you found yours?

Relax Bistro
313 Orchard Road
#02-38 313 @ Somerset
Tel: +65 6341 9978

Killiney Kopitiam: A Pictorial

2010-05-11T20:22:00.004+08:00

I love traditional breakfast :)

Kaya Toast with Soft-boiled Eggs

Do you eat it together or separately?

And something new worth trying!

French Toast with Kaya

I still prefer my Yakun kaya toast best. How about you? ;)

Jewels Artisan Chocolate

2010-05-09T10:50:00.001+08:00

The Teatime Indulgence at Jewels Artisan caught my attention when I was at Orchard Central last week. Since I had plenty of time while waiting for my friend, I just couldn’t say no to chocolates! Well, chocolates are ladies’ best friend! :D

Teatime Indulgence ($14.80++) includes:
1 pc x Praline/Truffle
1 pc x Macaron (Raspberry/Black Palm Island Salt/Butterfly Pea Bloom/Green Tea/Passion Fruit)
1 slice x 85% Dark Chocolate Gateau
1 dollop x Ice Cream/Sorbet (Dark Chocolate/Halzelnut/White Chocolate/Orange Sorbet)
1 pot x Gourmet Tea (Earl Grey/Camomile/Darjeeling/Jasmine/Peppermint/Passion Fruit)

Jewels Artisan brings about a different visual experience to chocolate lovers by showcasing the exquisite chocolate sculptures. Eat, love & admire the beauty of chocolates.

I had the homemade Gianduja Hazelnut Ice Cream (left) and Peridot (right). The hazelnut ice-cream has a nice roasted nut flavour and is definitely my favourite among the all hazelnut ice-creams I’ve tried. Absolutely love it! :) Peridot - Pistachio ganache layered with praline paste coated in dark chocolate. I like the fact that the chocolate is bittersweet. Somehow I regretted not ordering the nama chocolate as well!

I always have the impression that macarons are cloying sweet and tend to shun away from it. However, I change my opinion completely when I tried Jewels’ Black Palm Island Salt Macaron. The macaron has a light crust with nice crisp; a combination of salted egg and almond cream, topped with black palm island salt. It bears a resemblance to the Chinese salted-egg mooncake. A perfect balance of sweet and salty. This is seriously remarkable! Kudos to Chocolatier Then with the terrific creation! =D>

The Dark Chocolate Gateau Cake is a low sugar chocolate cake made with 85% abinao dark chocolate. No doubt it is rich and dark but I find the cake pretty dry and dense. I would prefer if the chocolate ganache is smoother and the cake moist.

Can somebody enlighten me why did I order Mocha instead of hot chocolate? :-?

Jewels really impressed me with the outstanding Black Palm Island Salt Macaron. I am pretty sure I will be back to try all the flavours! ;)

By the way, I'm in search for the best hot chocolate in town. So far, the best I've tried is Max Brenner Italian thick hot chocolate. Do let me know if you've tried a better one. :)

Jewels Artisan Chocolate
Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
#02-31/32
Tel: 6509 8998

Real Food

2010-05-04T23:14:00.005+08:00

What does real food means to you?

To me, it means eating wholesome, natural and unprocessed healthy food. Looking at what it seems to be healthy such as frozen yogurt, you never know what exactly you are consuming especially with so many "hidden sugar" or artificial flavors and sweeteners that you do not take notice of.

With so many organic cafe blooming in recent years, I believe more people, especially the younger generations are beginning to realize the importance of healthy living and healthy eating.
I am one of them. :)
I'm glad to stumble upon Real Food, a small organic grocer and cafe which aims to provide customers with natural & healthy food, and not forgetting breakfast too! ;)

Did I mentioned before I love simple, minimalist interior? ;;)

I knew what I want immediately once I've settled down in the cafe - Organic Banana & Blueberry French Toast ($6.80). I had my french toast done using organic rye bread. A healthy change from the usual plain bread. Rye bread is denser than usual bread and has a higher nutritional value. I know many people who shuns away from it but I simply loves it. They served the french toast with organic plain yogurt, just the way I want it. And I must say I really enjoyed this healthy breakfast. :D

Who says healthy is yucky?

With every breakfast order, it comes with a free beverage too! You can choose from organic coffee or tea, oatmilk or rice milk etc.

For someone who doesn't take drink dairy milk (yup, that's me), Oat Milk is a good alternative. It is quite light with a slightly sweet aftertaste.

They serve all-day breakfast, except that the free beverage is only available till 11 am. Just like other organic cafes, they do offer sandwiches, rice/ noodles and desserts as well. The cafe may not be located at the most convenient area, but do give it a try if you happened to be in the vicinity.

Real Food
6 Eu Tong Sen Street
#B1-52 The Central
Opens Daily:
9am – 8.30pm

The Dunearn @ NUSS Bukit Timah Guide House

2010-05-02T22:44:00.003+08:00

Located in the heart of Singapore, NUSS’s Bukit Timah Guild House, The Dunearn serves contemporary European cuisine which is surprisingly affordable. Just a ten minutes minute drive from the bustling orchard road, it housed in a charming, beautiful colonial bungalow. Set amidst in a serene landscape, surrounded by lush greenery of Botanic Garden, it is undoubtedly a stunning place.

I was indeed pleasured to be able to join Harris, the winner of NUSS-BTGH Best Blogger Contest for the delightful 6-course dinner.

We start off with a Complimentary Bread. Foccacia bread came nicely toasted and soft. Smell of the herb-infused bread really whets me appetite.

[photo credit to thesimplestaphrodisiac]

Appetizer: Flamed Wagyu Carpaccio with Truffle Shoyu & French Shallot

I never thought that I would order this initially but the name of the dish did sound impressive and tantalizing. Flamed till perfection, thinly-sliced wagyu was done flawlessly. Medium-rare Carpaccio was a perfect match to the truffle shoyu by the side. Splendid.

Appetizer: Crispy Oysters on a bed of Green Mango with Spiced Lime Granite

Oysters seemed to be a guy's favourite appetizer. Oysters are well-breaded and crispy with a hint of sweet and spicy thai infusion. Green mango accompanying the oysters completes the dish beautifully. I think the chef is really generous to give six oysters for the appetizer.

Soup: Scallop & Mud Crab Broth

I was anticipating more from the soup but it turned out to be a disappointment. Crab broth lack the seafood essence and sweetness, and the scallop slightly overcooked. I find it pretty hard to finish the soup as it was tad too oily to my liking.

Mains: Oven Baked Chilean Cod with Blue Ginger Red Wine Sauce & Almond Rice Ball

I had a hard time when it comes to choosing my main. But I eventually settled down for ladies’ favourite dish – Oven Baked Chilean Cod. Ooo baby, I love this absolutely and wholeheartedly. :x This oily fish was executed excellently; tender and juicy flesh was so sweet and moist. I love the slightly charred area, giving it a nice smoky taste. Look at the thick layer of crispy fish skin. Sinfully delicious. I managed to take a small nibble of it as I’m not a fan of fish skin. And I love the accompanying almond rice ball by the side too.

I’m totally sold.

Mains: Duck Confit with Orange & Carrot Puree with Mesclun Salad & Balsamic Dressing

For a change, Harris had the duck confit instead of his usual beef steak. The duck confit was firm while retaining its crispy skin. However, I do feel that the flesh could be tenderer that it flakes off bone easily. It was acceptable considering that the meat was not dry and has a pleasant flavour.

Desserts
For the six-course dinner, we have a complimentary cheese platter and one dessert each to choose from. However, considering the fact that we prefer to have an extra dessert, the manager managed to change it to Hazelnut Royale with Strawberry Gelato after much persuasion. I'm so glad that they did.

I experienced instant gratification upon the first bite. Bittersweet hazelnut mousse with a thick layer of crunchy praline base, it resembles greatly to the Hazelnut Royaltine from Checker’s Deli. What differentiate it was the crushed pistachios on top of the cake. Paired with the strawberry gelato, it was totally ambrosial. We love every mouthful of it. Oh, did I mentioned we had one each? ;))

I had the Phyllo Apple with Cinnamon Dust & Vanilla Ice-cream for my second dessert. Crispy filo pastry with warm apple was pure delight. I find the ice-cream ordinary, vanilla flavour was just too mild. It could be even better if vanilla bean ice-cream is used instead. Nevertheless, hot and cold desserts still tasted good together. :D

How does molten chocolate cake sounds? Tempting isn’t it?

What about Warm Molten Chocolate with White Ganache? Intriguing? ;;)
L-i-ck the screen

Molten chocolate cake oozes out sweet white ganache which I find rather innovative and interesting. A nice twist to the traditional molten chocolate cake. B-)

Of all three desserts we’ve tried, I still feel that the Hazelnut Royale is the best. I find it a pity that it was not on the ala carte menu; it was available on the April’s executive set dinner. Here's another shot of it :)

Service at The Dunearn was commendable. Our glasses were always kept full and wait staff constantly close-by. I think we had at least 5 glasses each during dinner! We were absolutely full and satisfied from the lovely dinner. Their set menu changes every month and it gives me a really good reason to head back! =D>

Once again, a big THANK YOU to Harris for the kind invitation. Wherever he is at the moment, he must be enjoying his gelato in Italy! :)

You may wish to read his winning entry here.

The Dunearn @ Bukit Timah Guild House
1F Cluny Road
Singapore 259602
Tel: (65) 6586 3263

Privé Bakery Café

2010-04-28T22:33:00.001+08:00

There is this wonderful place at Keppel Island where you can enjoy a beautiful breakfast.
Sitting down in a comfortable environment and admiring the beautiful scenery. That is how breakfast should be.

This is certainly not the first nor the second time I patronize Prive. It is hard not to fall in love with this place and I know I can never say no to Prive. It has this alluring factor that keeps me coming back for more.

Needless to say, the view is magnificent.

I am keeping brunch really simple this time. My all-time favourite comfort food, Oatmeal Porridge. Dressed beautifully with strawberries, bananas and honeycomb – a great start to a sweet morning.

Best friend had her Egg Royale. Nothing can go wrong with eggs, smoked salmon and toasted muffin. She loves it totally.

I always wanted to try out the Baked Chocolate Tart. A thick, rich layer of bitter sweet chocolate is indeed addictive. I was expecting more from the tart base, it was buttery but slightly dry and crumbly. I will prefer if they can warm up the chocolate tart. Top with a scoop of ice-cream, it will be absolute divine.

As much as I love about the place, the scenery and the environment, I do feel that service is really lacking. There were at least 6 wait staff on duty that day and I still find it extremely difficult to get their attention especially when they are chatting among themselves. It will be perfect the service experience is just as good as the environment.

And, by the way, they serve excellent Peanut butter milkshake. Do try it out if you are there.:)

Privé Bakery Café
2 Keppel Bay Vista
GF Marina @ Keppel Bay
Tel: 6776 0777

K ki ケーキ

2010-04-25T21:14:00.004+08:00

K ki, owned by a husband and wife team, Kenneth & Delphine, for their passion of exquisite, delicate pastry. Each cake is an art, the profound beauty which affects the emotions and senses of pastry lovers.

Kenneth uses his fine pastry skills in the creation of aesthetic cakes & experiences that can be shared with others. I guess I need not explain further the love, joy & tears that k ki brought to many fellow fans.

K ki also shares the space with the Little Dorm Shop which sells wide range of archaic souvenirs and polariod cameras. Run out of ideas for a special gift? This is the place to go. :)

I heard that k ki’s cakes sold out pretty quickly and I make sure I reserved the cakes before heading there. I shall spice up this review by associating a Disney character to describe k ki's cake

Antoinette – Snow White
The fair lady. Gentle, sweet & graceful with a big gracious heart.

Velvetly smooth white chocolate mousse simply melts in your mouth. It is incredibly light and makes eating becomes so effortless. The best part of Antoinette is the mango puree hidden within the soft chocolate mousse.

Kinabaru – Princess Jasmine
Adventurous, self-confident and full of vigour

Daring and adventurous it is.
Tangy passionfruit crème is a refreshing twist to light coconut mousse and chocolate daquoise. It is really surprising how the two exotic flavours merge so well together. While some may prefer Antoinette, I love kinabaru even more. :x

Mont Blanc – Alice in Wonderland
Pure, loving and gentle yet wildly curious

I was curious of how the name of cake came about. I did a little research and this was what I found out.

“Mont Blanc is constructed like a shape of a mountain which resembles the highest mountain in Alps. It is cake or tart made of puréed chestnuts and whipped cream. Sprinkled a dust of icing sugar on top akin to the snow on top of the mountain.”

It is a beauty in disguised.
Chestnut puree was so pure and prominent which compliments the almond tart base beautifully. While I like the taste of chestnut, I do find the fluffy cream slightly on the blend side.

Disney characters may not be the best way to describe K ki’s cakes.
But each cake is unique on its own, cake with a personality. Dream of it, eat it and fantasies.

The first time at K ki was insufficient to drive that fantasy within me. I shall make a trip down again. I am eyeing their Strawberry tart, Little Red Ridding Hood and Mona. Till then..8->

Simplicity is beauty yet extraordinary.

K Ki Sweets
7 Ann Siang Hill
#01-00
Tel 6225 6650
Their website and facebook group

Jollyfrog Gourmet Bistro & Bar

2010-04-21T23:14:00.009+08:00

Did I ever mention I am going to hunt down the best breakfast places in town? ;)

I first got to know JF through theMoose. Set aside Café Epicurious and Riders, this is one place that all breakfast lovers should not miss. JF is co-owned by Kith Cafe in collaboration with owners of Boomerang Bistro at Robertson Quay. All the three cafés adopt the same Australian dining concept. JF bear a resemblance more to Kith Café with its high communal table and menu inscribed on black chalk board. Difference between the two is that JF is a café by day and a bar by night.

Breakfast to me is never on-the-go. I prefer savoring it slowly, appreciating every mouthful, in a charming and secluded place. With no hassle of the busy crowd at Café Epicurious, this is the perfect place for a little getaway. In fact, I went back to JF twice in 5 days. ;)

Unlike the traditional Egg Benedict ($11.50) which is served on toasted muffins, the ones here are served on multi-grain toast. Two thick slices of ham, asparagus, perfectly poached eggs and multi-grain toast – nothing much I can complain about. Hollandaise sauce is also lighter and less buttery which in fact, suits my palate. I do feel that it will be great if the sauce is much thicker. I also add on sautéed mushroom ($3) as the side. The garlic flavor of the mushroom was strong which I felt was really scrumptious.

I topped up additional $5 for my breakfast to enjoy a free flow of hot coffee or tea or hot chocolate. Pretty awesome! Here are the drinks which I’ve tried:

Latte: Milder taste with flavors [vanilla, butterscotch etc.] you can choose from.
Mocha: the perfect marriage of coffee and chocolate comes Mocha! Like the hot chocolate, this has the melted chocolate at the bottom too. Sweet & bitter. Lovely :)
Flat White: the strongest among the three coffee. Excellent choice if you need a morning perks.
Vanilla Chai Tea: this is much similar to the one at Kith Café but stronger spice flavor.

I really love their coffee. It is indeed rich and robust in flavor. If you love the ones at Oriole Café, you will probably love this even more. And I was told that they roast & blend their coffee too. Now you have another good reason to patronize JF. Sipping a cup of good coffee, enjoy a quiet morning and the lovely latte art. An ethereal beauty. :x

Breakfast is supposed to be pretty. Don’t you think so? ;;)

Not a coffee lover? Fret not.
Spanish Hot Chocolate to the rescue!

This is one excellent hot chocolate which can drive your adrenaline insanely in the morning! I wouldn’t say it is a thick hot chocolate but it has really rich chocolate taste. Give a little stir to the melted chocolate at the bottom, this is marvelous.:)

I was back a few days later to try out Cinnamon French Toast ($7.50). Four thick slices of French toast and organic yogurt with banana.

Savoring the French toast with maple syrup is the most wonderful thing that can ever happen. I may be a little exaggerating but look! Its maple syrup and French toast! How can anyone ever resist it?

I would love to lick the plate sparkling clean but pardon me, serving was too much for my petite stomach. I have a little complain for the French toast as the cinnamon flavor was not discernible. I had feedback to them and I hope it will get better next time round.

The service at JF was really commendable. One of the waitress, Jackie, shown great hospitality to me. Took effort to explain any queries I had and even showed me around the restaurant when I was taking photos. She was all smiles and her service, was really attentive and quick. It's been so long since I had experience such good service. I hope the management do see this review as you have one excellent staff to be proud of.=D>

The weekday breakfast promotion is ending on 2 May 2010. Head down now to enjoy all good coffees and breakfast! :D

Read more about them here.

Jollyfrog Gourmet Bistro & Bar
81 Neil Road
Weekday breakfast: 8.30am - 11.30 am
Weekend brunch: 8.30am - 2.30 am

Kith Cafe: Breakfast at 7am

2010-04-19T00:12:00.000+08:00

Kith Cafe is a quaint little cafe hidden along Robertson Quay. Stepping upon the the homely cafe, I sense a contentment of joy. I was not surprised to see many Caucasian patrons early in the morning, some enjoying breakfast before a day-long work while others just stopping by for a quick caffeine fix. I definitely belongs to the former group. ;) Looking at the breakfast menu on the black chalk board, I wanted not one, but all of it! Pity there's only so much my petite stomach can take in.

Who needs a coffee to kick-start the day? Not me. Vanilla Chai Tea ($4.50) will do :) It is those smells that are very much filled with nostalgia. I need not explain how obsessed I am with that sweet aroma. Cinnamon-infused vanilla tea was wonderful. I slurped up every drop of it.
A great start to a beautiful Friday. :x

Breakfast need not be extravagant. Give me simple eggs & toast will do. :)

Toasties, scrambled eggs, butter and jam ($7.50). Breakfast has never been so beautiful than this. It is truly an art.

Homemade strawberry jam that came with the toast was excellent. Sweetness was just right and you can even see the entire strawberry pulp in the jam. I can't get enough of it! =D>

I really enjoyed the casual, laid-back atmosphere here as compared to the crowded Epicurious Cafe nearby. The staffs are really friendly and nice to chat with. If you are one of those white-collar workers who needs a good hearty breakfast, Kith Cafe may be your choice. Besides, they opened at 7 am! =))

Kith Cafe
7 Rodyk Street
#01-33 Watermark @ Robertson Quay

Shots Cafe

2010-04-17T21:02:00.016+08:00

Many of you may have missed this cafe which is just across the street where the famous K Ki is located. Shots Cafe is more than just a place for a quick caffeine fix. Sipping a cup a cuppa and immerse yourself in this beautiful gallery. A pleasant place for a good "coffee talk".

I don't drink coffee frequent but the Cappuccino I had was not bad. I was told by the barista that they roast and blend their own coffee, which explains the strong roast aroma of coffee. What interest me more is the mini macaron accompanying the coffee. Cute & lovely. ;))

A hungry lady needs to eat.
And hungry lady got a Turkey Creation! :))

Turkey ham, roasted mushroom & cheese with fluffy toasted bun. I didn't quite enjoy the sandwich because of the strong cheesy flavour. :-S

Shots Cafe do offer photography course too. Do check with the staff to find out more.

Shots Cafe
8 Ann Siang Hill

Vanilla Bar & Cafe

2010-04-14T09:46:00.004+08:00

Bella Vanilla loves Vanilla Cafe

How could a vanilla lover ever miss out such a nice cafe at CDB? Definitely not me.

It is a such a lovely place to laze around in the afternoon, especially after lunch hour when the crowd had dispersed. I love the clean funishing and interior of the cafe. What's even better is eating and chatting with a great companion. :)

I adore pumpkins and could not resist Pumpkin Coquette ($4.90). Crispy outside, soft and mellow inside. It does taste like sweet potato coquette with its mild sweet taste. So much a vanilla lover, I knew I had to order a Vanilla Smoothie [top]. In fact, the vanilla smoothie was vanilla milkshake. So thick and rich in vanilla flavour. I love. :x

With the nice recommendation by the waitress, I had a Norwegian Smoked Salmon with Egg Mayo Sandwich ($7.90). There's nothing much I can complain about the sandwich considering the abundant of fresh ingredients and a well-toasted panini. I enjoy every mouthful of it.

Ending our brunch with their signature Molten Chocolate Cake with French Vanilla Ice-cream ($10.90). Molten chocolate cake was ordinary, not much of a "lava cake". But I do appreciate the french vanilla ice-cream by the side though. ;)

If you happened to be in the area for a good coffee or sandwich, do drop by Vanilla Cafe. Not forgetting to mention they do serve all-day breakfast too.;;)

Vanilla Bar & Café
3 Boon Tat Street #01-01
Mon-Thu, 1030am - 11pm
Fri-Sat, 11am - 12midnight, closed on Sunday and PH
6423 0366

Breakfast #04: The Unglamorous

2010-04-13T09:26:00.001+08:00

It is not a maybe, it is a definite to have Adam's PB for breakfast!

In the mix:
- Marigold low fat plain yogurt
- Kelloggs All Bran Cereals
- Quaker Oatbran Squares
- & Adam's 100% Crunchy PB

My healthy yet unglamourous-looking breakfast is sure yummy! :D

Kichn

2010-04-12T08:57:00.004+08:00

“Break out from your normal routine, be extraordinary"

The simplicity concept and style of this little cafe sure take my breath away.

At Kichn, you create your own meal & blend. There are a variety of flavours to choose from, ranging fruity flavours (mango, lychee, peach etc) to milo and featured special. You can decide two (double blend) or three flavours (triple blend) by shading the menu given.

Likewise for their mains, you decide the combination you want. You may wish to read more here.

Our special creation:

Milo & Peach - This is awesome! So thick and rich as if I am drinking milo dinosaur with hint of peach flavour

Chocolate & Strawberry - I was deciding between strawberry with milo or chocolate. But since friend had milo, I went for the latter. While this was good, the former definitely taste better! :D

We also had Crispy Seaweed Chicken ($3.90) to munch on. Drumlets are really crispy but not as flavoursome as I like it to be. Seaweeds are sprinkled on top instead of marinating it and deep-fried thereafter. Well, it is still enjoyable to munch on. :)

I really love chilling out at Kichn. Outdoor seating and watching people as they walked by, totally my kind of place ;;)

Check out their menu here.

I simply love kichn :x

Kichn

180 Albert Street

#01-05, Albert Court

info@kichn.com

6333 0015

(Cash Payment Only)

Roast @ 1 Rochester

2010-04-10T08:24:00.002+08:00

I am pleasured to be invited to dinner and drinks a few weeks ago in the launch of a new dining movement "Roast" at One Rochester. Developed and helmed by the Executive Chef, Christopher Millar, "Roast" presents a totally new communal and ala carte menu.

I love the cosy al fresco seating at Roast which is similar to my favourite hangout, 1 Twenty-six at East Coast. For a start, it was the lovely Bread Basket with butter and balsamic olive oil dip.

The Nibble Platter which consist of herb crumbed stuffed olives, potato skins with sour cream & ocean trout caviar, foie gras parfait, rabbit & pork terrine, cured ham, tapenade and crudites.

I especially love the foie gras parfait and cured harm.

Cheese Souffle was indeed interesting and something I tried for the very first time. Sad to say I didn't enjoy it very well as the cheese flavour was way too intense.

Tiger Prawn Salad with Couscous, Pomegranate, Mint and Persian feta. This got to be my personal favourite among all. Sweet and tangy salad really whet my appetite.;)

Pan Fried Foie Gras with Catalunya Spices, Sweet & Sour cherries [top] and Juniper Cured Salmon Gravlax with Scrambled Eggs and Toasted Soldiers [bottom]

Here comes the mains! :D
Ladies could not resist the Grilled Cod Fillet [left]. Simple dish yet so extraordinary. The flesh is so soft and moist. Seared King Scallops [right] was indeed delish. Thick and Juicy. Pity the smoked sea urchin risotto was slightly underdone. Too firm for my liking.

Then we had Baby Chicken with Pine Nut, Raisin and Truffle Stuffing [top]
& Braised Wagyu Beef Brisket with Creamy Paris Mash Potato [bottom]. Baby Chicken was flavorsome and goes really well with sweet pear compote. I was disappointed with the wagyu beef as it pretty dry.

And finally desserts.
Apple Tart with Calvados Ice Cream is their signature dessert. I thought it was vanilla bean ice-cream initially but the taste was slightly different. When I looked up the internet I realized they used Calvados ice-cream instead which was made from mixture of vanilla beans and apple brandy. A unique twist to the usual vanilla bean ice-cream. I pretty much appreciate the sweet vanilla sauce drizzle by the side with the crisp apple tart.

Grande Assiette is a selection of five petite sized desserts.

Pavlova with Vanilla Cream, Poached Strawberries and Passion Fruit Coulis [top-left]: was way too sweet.
Wild Honey and Pistachio Nougat Parfait with Cherry Compote [bottom left]: I enjoy the nutty flavour of this dessert.
Rose Perfumed Panna Cotta with Poached Pear in Crème de Framboise [bottom-left]: An acquired taste, not one that all can enjoy.
Classic Lemon and Lime Soufflé [bottom-right]: My favourite dessert of the night. I shunned at the first taste of it. But after a few mouthful, I began to appreciate it better. So refreshing and light.
Devils Flourless Chocolate, Mascarpone and Raspberry Ripple Cake [top-right]: Surprisingly when the rest found it too dense or rich, I kind of like its "richness". Helping myself to a few more mouthful ;))

Overall it was a pleasant dining experience at Roast with the exceptional ambience and comfortable settings. It is definitely a great place to chill out or for a romantic dinner. For me, food is secondary, ambience and service is first. Food at Roast was decent but with excellent dining experience, I love it just like I do for 1 Twenty-six.

Finally, I would like to thank Ms Audrey Rabarot and One Rochester Group for the kind invitation. :)

Check out the communal menu here.

Roast
1 Rochester Park

Breakfast #03: Mr Nutella

2010-04-09T09:16:00.003+08:00

N: Hi, I am Mr Nutella. I have a nicely tan skin colour. Babes are so obsessive with me because I'm hot and sexy. Even guys do. /nobigdeal

I fall in love with u at first sight Bella, do you want to be my girl? :x

B: Hi Mr Nutella. I admit I'm in love with you too. ;;) Trust me, I want to be with you forever. But I'm afraid I've already eaten you up. You are with me forever :-*

Breakfast #02: Oats In A Jar

2010-04-07T08:36:00.001+08:00

[credit to Kath's Eats]

Looks delish. Don't you think so?

I shall try it out when I finish my almost-empty Adam's 100% Natural PB :)
I am officially in love with Adam's all thanks to ice.

Food For Thought

2010-04-06T08:48:00.038+08:00

Good Food For A Good Cause

Many of you have already know the cosy little cafe at North Bridge Centre. This time, they've expanded to a more spacious home at Queen Street.

I am here for a good reason, to enjoy a lovely breakfast. While waiting for my breakfast to be served, I decided to explore the cafe...

A rack which sells interesting knick-knacks and souvenirs.

Want to get some?
All the things you see on the rack are for sale! Show a bit of kindness if anything caught your eye. All profits goes to the School of Thought & Love East Timor Orphan's Scholarship Fund.:D

I almost wanted to purchase this cute little bear. ;))

At last! My gorgeous looking breakfast.
Scrambled Eggs with Cream, Sauteed Garlic Mushroom and Roasted Tomato Salad.
Pleasant to the eyes and certainly ambrosial :x

This is by far, the best scrambled eggs I had. :)

I am dreaming of the scrambled eggs now...;;)

I was craving for some cakes and I saw the Moist Carrot Cake. Being the only slice of carrot cake on display, I was doubtful if I should have it as overnight cake tend to be drier and more dense. Nevertheless, I decided to order it. /hmm

While it was not as moist as it claims, it certainly has a wonderful taste. Strong cinnamon fragrance and generous amount of walnuts. Cream cheese frosting was not overly sweet and pleasant to the palate. Only complain I had was the cake was a little dry and crumble easily. Perhaps I will give it another try next time when the cake is fresher.

Note: Breakfast served till 5.30 pm daily

Food For Thought
8 Queen Street
Daily: 9am - 10pm
6338 9887

Wild Honey: Breakfast For Dinner

2010-04-04T20:13:00.002+08:00

I love breakfast for dinner

Hatched and Wild Honey are the only two places I know of which serves all-day breakfast. And located right in the heart of Orchard road, this is one place that can satisfy my breakfast cravings at night. In fact, I did have an "all-day breakfast". A fantastic egg benedict at Epicurious for brunch and a lovely Tunisian breakfast for dinner.

I'm glad I made the right choice to order Tunisian Breakfast ($18++). ;) Tomato stew in hot iron pan with half-boiled eggs and chorizo sausage (beef & pork). The tomato stew is really robust in flavour and I love the toasted brioche by the side. Thick and fluffy brioche goes really well with the stew. Dip the toasted brioche into the stew, it is marvellous. :)

I have high expectation for Egg Benedict ($18++) and sad to say, the ones here didn't make the mark. :( Bestie was watching me in envy while she had her egg benedict. She agreed that the toasted broiche is really good. ;;)

Hits and misses, Wild honey may not be the best place for breakfast but looking at the varieties they offer, I will still be back to try other breakfast items. I am already eyeing at the New York and Canadian breakfast! :))

Wild Honey
333A Orchard Road
#03-02 Mandarin Gallery
Tel: 6235 3900
http://www.wildhoney.com.sg

Broomerang Bar & Bistro : A Pictorial

2010-04-02T10:00:00.003+08:00

Lovely breakfast makes my day ;;)

Chocolate French Toast

Egg Benedict

Sticky Date Pudding with a most wonderful vanilla bean ice-cream :-*

Broomerang Bistro & Bar
60 Robertson Quay
#01-15 The Quayside.

The Black Sheep Cafe

2010-03-31T16:33:00.001+08:00

An unpretentious french cuisine...

I’ve long heard of this little gem at Little India and finally made my way there on that fateful evening. It is not hard to find this restaurant, just 10 minutes walk from Albert OG.

I love the minimalist, vintage interior of the restaurant. Restaurant is simply decorated with a few “black sheep” oil paintings on the wall. With only 3 choices for starters, mains and 2 desserts, Chef cum Owner, Mr Ratha specialize what he did best. With no GST or service charge, Chef Ratha shows you how you can enjoy quality French cuisine with no hidden cost. =D>

For the mains, we had an excellent Duck Confit on Apple Rosti ($21). It smells so heavenly when it was first brought out of the kitchen. The duck skin was crisp and the meat so tender that it flakes off bone easily. The dish came with a tangy mango relish, sweet and refreshing with balance out the richness of the dish. And I do love the tasty apple rosti as well. There was nothing but cleaned bones left by the time we were done with this dish. I want one, no, two more of it! :))

Fish of the day was Snapper Fillet ($21) with creamy white wine sauce. This paled in comparision to the lovely duck confit. The flesh was slightly tough to my displeasure. However, the creamy white wine sauce seemed to salvage the dish a little. It was real delish! It will definitely fare better if the fish is Chilean seabass or Cod fillet.

I must say the service was excellent. The waiter knew that friend and I are sharing and they serve one main at a time, giving us ample time to finish it. I also had a good chat with Chef Ratha. I’m so satisfied witht the food and service that I gave a $4 tip. We didn’t have any desserts eventually but next time I will!
I am already missing the duck confit... /no

The Black Sheep Cafe
35 Mayo Street
Singapore 208316
92721842 or 6292 5772
Closed on Sunday

Breakfast #01: Tiramisu Sandwich

2010-03-30T10:00:00.005+08:00

[credit to Discovering Raw]

Can have that tiramisu sandwich for breakfast please? /please

Epicurious - My Perfect Breakfast

2010-03-26T11:01:00.002+08:00

TGIF it's friday!
Let’s kick-start this blog with...breakfast at Epicurious! :)

Two poached eggs with grilled ham on English muffins, drizzled with lots of hollandaise sauce – my perfect breakfast. I do not like hollandaise sauce which is too rich in buttery flavour. Here, the hollandaise sauce tasted so wonderfully on its own, thick and rich, with the right combination of lemon and butter. Without doubt, they have one of the best hollandaise sauce.

It is my enjoyment poking through the poached eggs, watching the runny yolks soaking the toasted muffins. Sinking my teeth into the perfect Egg Benedict ($12), oh my, this is heaven.

I love breakfast at Epicurious. However, it may not be the best place to enjoy a quiet breakfast especially when it is packed with breakfast people during weekends. If you wish to have breakfast or brunch here, be an early bird. ;)

Epicurious
60 Robertson Quay
#01-02 The Quayside
Tel: 6734 7720
http://epicurious.com.sg/