Guide to Ann Siang Hill Cafes & Restaurants

If I ever find myself having a simple lunch or a hearty dinner at Maxwell Hawker Centre, it would only mean two things. a) I'm heading down to Duxton to have my cakes cravings weaned off. or b) I'm heading up the hill to meet a few cakes for tea. (If you do not know, Ann Siang is located behind Maxwell Hawker Centre. Hence, I said up the hill instead.) 

Of course, there will always be option c which is... I am going to both Duxton and Ann Siang just to indulge all in the name of desserts. As much as I love option c but I'll be honest with you. As much as I love desserts and have them almost every other day, I do know my limits alright? Besides, my mum keeps a close watch on my sugary diet just to make sure I don't get overdoes myself with all things sweet...

Here's my second guide to Ann Siang Hill.

Antoinette
Ahhh... The Queen has been spotted along Erskine Road and I'm glad it did! Unlike all the other Parisian inspired branches, this outlet is real petite! I say it could only fit the most 20 diners? So what are you waiting for? Let us all eat cakes!

Scarlet Hotel #01-02/03
33 Erskine Road, Singapore 069333
Tel: +65 6557 0417
Website:  http://www.antoinette.com.sg/menu.html
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Cugini Trattoria Pizzeria 
"Don't wait. Come and experience the charm of Cugini and rekindle your Southern Italian love affair." 

87 Club Street #01-01, Singapore 069455
Tel: +65 6221 3791
Website: http://www.cugini.com.sg/index_inner.html

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Da Paolo Ristorante
I love tiramisu. Is there anything else to describe the Italian restaurant who does alcoholic cake so well?

80 Club Street, Singapore 069448
Tel: +65 6224 7081
Website: https://www.facebook.com/DaPaolo.Ristorante.ClubStreet
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Kki Cafe
The cafe's the first thing I think off whenever I'm within the area and it's no wonder why. Kki's cakes are highly popular within the local patisserie industry. No one can say they love cakes unless they visit Kki and try their petite creations, at least once...  A well worthy note to remember. All good things come at a price and conducting your tea session here won't come cheap...

7 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069791
Tel: +65 6225 6650
Website: https://www.facebook.com/kki.sweets
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La Cicala Spanish Gastrobar
I just feel that Spanish cuisine are under-rated when comparing to other cuisines. I can't find many review about the Spanish gastrobar but well, it just mean one thing. I have to give this place a try!

49 Club Street, Singapore 069426
Tel: +65 6534 8812
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Le Chocolat Cafe
Need somewhere quiet to set the day right? How about Le Chocolaty Cafe housed under a boutique hotel? Happiness can come in the form of rainbow cake you know?

The Club Hotel
28 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069708
Tel: +65 6808 2188
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Les Bouchons
Repeat after me "I want Steak Frites." I never knew being French is about Beef and Fries. It's like their comfort food much like carrot cakes are to me :) Order their Steak Frites and it's free flow Fries till your hearts delight! It's not a big place to boost about so reservations are a must if you wanna dine at this French bistro.

7 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069689
Tel: +65 6423 0737
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Moo Bar & Grill
Is Aussie cuisine to your preference where steaks and ribeyes are served promptly? Give their menu a scan and you would realize it's nothing overpriced. Of course, who say it's all about steaks? There's always other option to choose from too! I would love to come here real soon to give them a try.

The Clift #01-03
21 McCallum Street, Singapore 069047
Tel: +65 6634 2662
Website: http://www.moo.com.sg
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PS Cafe @ A.S.H Park
My aunt has been known to have her Truffle Fries for afternoon tea at PS Cafe. Are they that good? I guess so. Just take note that the branch at Ann Siang Hill only admits Adults and Teenagers only. Reservations are highly recommended to dine at such posh restaurant. Online reservations will do just fine :)

45 Ann Siang Road #02-02 (Entrance via Ann Siang Hill Park)
Singapore 069719
Tel: +65 6222 3143
Website: http://www.pscafe.sg/
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Senso Ristorante & Bar
Three things you need to know about Senso. 1. Authentic Italian cuisine. 2. Fine-dining restaurant. 3. Impeccable service. Do I need to go any further and talk about the number of awards they won?

21 Club Street, Singapore 069410
Tel: +65 6224 3534
Website: http://www.senso.sg/
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Shots.
Fancy a single shot Espresso or a double shot Cappuccino? How about giving the cafe on Ann Siang Hill a try?

8 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069788
Tel: +65 6224 8502
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Spizza
Friends over pizzas or pizzas over friends... Does it really matter? All I know is when good friends and good food come together, the result is... surprisingly pleasant... There's always pastas to look for if pizzas aren't to your liking.

29 Club Street, Singapore 069414
Tel: +65 6224 2525
Website: http://www.spizza.sg/index.php
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Group Therapy Cafe: Best carrot cake

When I first heard of Group Therapy back sometime ago, I thought it was some social work agency or organization until the word, "cafe" popped out when I went for a Google tour. How silly can I get right? I'm also guessing my social work trained classmates would make the same assumption too :)

The cafe's hidden at the 2nd floor along the shophouses of Duxton. It's no easy find if you aren't a frequent visitor to the area so walk along Berjaya Hotel and look above for the petite signboard "Group Therapy".

The menu isn't extensive nothing much to flaunt about with majority siding on beverages like coffee, tea and alcohol. A word of caution though, their food is nothing but amazing! The Poached Eggs or as I call them, Eggs Benedict could easily gratify the hungriest egg lover and don't even get me started about their Belgian Waffles alright? Truly a good place for a typical weekend early brunch with a few friends and family members. (Group Therapy opens at 9am on Sundays and Public Holidays.)

One of my favorite comfort food. The 4-Layer Carrot Cake ($8.50) has somehow hold a special place in my heart. It's nutty and carroty and beautifully slated cream cheese. 1 layer... 2 layers... 3 layers and well the fourth layer came crumbling but that's what I like about carrot cakes. I would say this might just be the best carrot cakes I tried so far. 

I would highly advice individual to share the cake over a few others instead of trying to take it on all by yourself. Afterall, sharing can be a therapeutic experience all by itself... 

What better more than to end off the afternoon with a good cup of double shot Cappuccino ($5.50), a personal favorite coffee drink of mine and I thought to myself...

"Wouldn't life be great if there's a carrot cake waiting for me every morning?" 

PS: A huge thank you for the crew for keeping my phone in their drawer for a night after I left the place without it. Age must be catching up on me though I'm only 19...

49 Duxton Road #02-01, Singapore 089513

Tel: +65 6222 2554

Website: http://www.gtcoffee.com/

Guide to drinking coffee

A useful guide to all coffee lovers and new-comers alike...

Well, I just like my cappuccino to kick start the day... That's my elixir of life :)

Guide to the best pastas in Singapore

I could always appreciate people who in turn are able to appreciate good food. I could just spend hours after hours conversing with like-minded foodies over meals. Always sharing the next best place to dine and tips to take note of upon entering any particular restaurants. Just pure bliss...

Pastas comes in all shapes and sizes. Spaghetti, Angel Hair, Bucatini, Fettuccine, Lasagne, Penne and the list goes on and on. Many of which I've never heard of! They also come in different colour depending on the ingredients used. I didn't know pastas could be stuffed with meat and cheese too :)

Hence, in tribute to my High Tea Partner, I have drafted a Guide to the Best Pastas in Singapore to show my appreciation to her and all those wonderful tea sessions we had. Enjoy!

Bella Pasta

"The taste of love and memory" Do you agree? Anyway, if you love nothing but the freshest and simplest ingredients in your pastas, why not give Bella a try? Their weekday set lunches ($18) offers quite a few popular renditions to choose from. 

Riverside View #01-09

30 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238251

Tel: +65 6836 5692

Website: http://www.bellapasta.com.sg/

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Bonheur Patisserie (Photo obtained from Bonheur's website.)

Just recently, I came to know one of my most frequent patisserie started exploring with set lunches. I've yet to try them yet, maybe someday soon alright?

70 Duxton Road, Singapore 089529

Tel: +65 6221 1148

website: http://www.bonheurpatisserie.com.sg/

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Chalk Restaurant

A simple causal dining bistro where ingredients are raw, organic and often unpretentious. Located within the old Methodist Girl's School at the top of Mount Emily, the al fresco view in the late evening is simply... Breath-taking. Food price though, that's a different story... 

Old School

11 Mount Sophia #01-03

Singapore 228461

Tel: +65 6883 2120

Website: http://www.chalk.com.sg/chalk/

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18 Chefs
If you're a student who requires much financial planning but yet still want your occasional pasta served well, then why not consider Chef 18? Their student privilege is more than enough to satisfy that silly pasta cravings we often have. If you hadn't visit them yet, do know that you could customize your pastas from the eight different sauces and 12 different toppings. It maybe confusing at the start but after a while, you kinda get the hang of it. Just to let you know, Creamy Mango is my favorite sauce ;)

Eastpoint Mall #01-36 (Beside POSB)
3 Simei Street 6, Singapore 528833
Tel: +65 6782 1298
Website: http://www.eighteenchefs.com

Connexis #B1-12/13
No. 1 Fusionopolis Way, Singapore 138632
Tel: +65 6467 1296

Tiong Bahru Plaza #02-K1/K6
302 Tiong Bahru Road, Singapore 168732
Tel: +65 6272 0961
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Etna Italian Restaurant
Despite dining here a few times, I never knew this Sicilian concept restaurant was known as the quality Italian Restaurant in the world by Ospitalita Italiana, a organization endorsed by the Italian government. Now that's something to boost right?

49/50 Duxton Road, Singapore 089513
Tel: +65 6220 5513
Website: http://www.sicilia-mia.com/etna_res.html

110 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455298
Tel: +65 6444 9530
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Modesto's Restaurant

This is one of those few places that offers vegetarian menu and this is definitely a plus point for me since I have a few friends who abide strict vegan diet. Of course, meat lovers freak not for they have more than just veggies to offer ;)

Orchard Parade Hotel #01-09/10

1 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247905

Tel: +65 6235 7808

 Website: http://www.modestos.com.sg/

The Elizabeth Hotel #01-05

24 Mouth Elizabeth, Singapore 228518

Tel: +65 6736 2808

Viviocity #01-166/167

1 HarbourFront Walk, Singapore 098585

Tel: +65 6376 9808

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Olive Vine Pasta Fusion

It's never an easy task when it comes to eating in the central. Everything is just pricier or overpriced and that includes pasta too! So when I first got to know of Olive Vine Pasta Fusion that offers decent selection of pasta and other fusion cuisines, I just knew I have to try them out and what did you know? Fettuccine became my new found friend ;)  

Marina Square #B1-17
6 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6336 4034

Suntec City Mall #03-22/24, Sky Garden
3 Temasek Boulevard, Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6384 9648

North Bridge Commercial Complex #01-02
470 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 6336 3746
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Otto Ristorante
Named after the auspicious number in Italian, Otto Ristorante could easily be regarded as one of the finer Italian restuarant in Singapore but I have to say fine-dining often don't come cheap. For the whole experience though coupled with a few wonderful dining partners, now that's a different story right?

Red Dot Traffic Building #01-02
28 Maxwell Road, Singapore 069120
Tel: +65 6227 6819
Website: http://www.ottoristorante.com.sg/
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Outback Steakhouse
There's nothing weird ordering seafood pasta at a steakhouse if they cooked them to such perfection. Surely my partner would agree too!

Time 2@Millenia Walk #01-99
9 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039596
Tel: +65 6837 3242
Website: http://outback-sea.com/sg/index.html
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Pasta Brava
Everything about the restaurant is all about class. If you ever step into this Italian restaurant, you would understand why. Clearly, fine-dining at its' best and like all fine-dining places, reservations are highly recommended, particularly during dinner time.

11 Craig Road, Singapore 089671
Tel: +65 6227 7550
Website: http://www.pastabrava.com.sg/index.html
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Raindrop Cafe
A small cozy cafe tucked within Scape Mall. I love the place. I love the ambiance but moreover, I love the food.

Scape Shopping Mall #02-38
2 Orchard Link, Singapore 237978
Tel: +65 6834 4977
website: https://www.facebook.com/raindropscafe?sk=wall
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Ricciotti Pizza Pasta & Deli
Proclaimed as one of the most exclusive stretches along Singapore river, Ricciotti at the Riverwalk is where guests can always enjoy a relaxing and laid-back dining experience. While their outlet at China Square Central seemed to be highly soughted by office workers coming for their competitive set lunches.

The Riverwalk #B1-49/50
20 Upper Circular Road, Singapore 058416
Tel: +65 6533 9060
Website: http://www.ricciotti.com.sg

China Square Central #01-36/37
3 Pickering Street, Singapore 048660
Tel: +65 6438 8040
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Ristorante Da Valentino
Managed by a family of Italian stronghold, Valentino is the place to head for a simple fine-dining Italian luncheon with your special other half. There's always Perla's Pastry Boutique to look forward to that special love, Dolci.

11 Jalan Bingka, Singapore 588908
Tel: +65 6462 0555
Website: http://www.valentino.sg/index.php
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Saizeriya Ristorante E Caffe
Some of my friends love Saizeriya so much that they seem to be there perpetually! Personally, I always prefer the outlet at Clark Quay. You know excuses to visit my favorite patisserie, Tampopo Deli!

Bukit Timah Plaza #02-24C
1 Jalan Bukit Anak, Singapore 588996
Tel: +65 6467 5992

City Square Mall #B2-55/56
180 Kitchener Road, Singapore 208539
Tel: +65 6834 4877

Liang Court Shopping Centre #02-22
177 River Valley Road, Singapore 179030
Tel: +65 6337 9001
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Saveur
Besides serving affordable French cuisine, Saveur also serve one of the cheapest pasta you can find within city area. Fancy Angel's Hair for dinner?

5 Purvis Street #01-04
Singapore 188584
Tel: +65 6333 3121
Website: http://www.saveur.sg/
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With A Pinch Of Salt
It's only a cafe, don't take it seriously."

297 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437080
Tel: +65 6348 2297
Website: http://www.withapinchofsalt.com.sg/#
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Saveur: Really affordable French cuisine

I always had a hard time convincing my dining partners to try French cuisines. I guess it's the impression French cuisines gives to us. Food for the atas (High Class) people? Cuisine that is not meant for the common street boy? I can't really blame them. It's all about the perception each of us abide to...

There are still pockets of friends who still continue to associate me as an high class individual often judging from the way I speak and describe certain dessert terms such as Creme Brulee, Mille-feuille and Mont Blanc just to named a few of my favourite ones. Even the French term for cake, gateau is more than a mouthful for most of my friends to utter and much less indulge in them.

From my knowledge, the owners of Saveur started out as a small stall at some random coffeeshop at Joo Chiat, serving French food at coffeeshop price. Which if I translate into my own words, serving French food at affordable price...

Just recently, they moved into the city and set up their stronghold which is only two street away from Raffles Hotel. I have to be honest with you, I actually went there twice, each time with different dining partners and was turned away on both occasions either because our tummy couldn't endure the hunger pangs caused by the long Q or we came late after their last order. It was only on my third visit before I managed to get myself a table for two with an old friend of mine whom recently got an interest in fishing. 

I was determined to try their food you see. Where else in the central could you find a bowl of Pasta that cost $3.90 or a plate of Duck Confit at $8.90? Did I mention to you that they do not charge 10% for service too? I just knew I have to come and showcase this finding to my friends and fellow readers. 

The beautifully woven Angel Hair Pasta With Tiger Prawn And Lumpfish Caviar ($6.90). It's almost like a piece of art when the pasta arrived on our table. I love how the prawns were beautifully lined up along the hair of an Angel with specks of Caviar here and there. 

The taste was just as exceptional as it looks. The Olive Oil gave the pasta a moisturizing context while the prawns were succulent, signs of freshness I would infer. The Caviar though, gave the simplistic pasta something worth courting for. 

Personally, I'm a sucker for Foie Gras. it's one of those must have thing for me whenever I go for a French meal. Even more so that particular night because my dining partner had never tried one before! I spoke in the best French I could and I got myself the Pan Fried Foie Gras With Lentils And Pickled Onions ($7.90). Slightly overcooked if you ask me but the flavors seemed to explode within your mouth as you worked your way through the fatten Goose Liver. My partner still didn't like the idea of eating Liver but hey, at least he gave it a try right?

Do note that this is 35g only. Rather petite I have to confess but for our first time, it did just fine...

Being an angler himself, my partner knew he's so going for the Barramundi With Crab Potato And French Beans ($12.90). The fillet was fresh and pan fried nicely. The meat was flaky and tender. Once again, signs of freshness. The Crab Potato though didn't have any crab taste with every bite we took. 

La Petite Cuisine somehow has set the standards of a good Duck Confit should taste in me. I'm looking for a juicy meat thigh to sink my metal wares into. Afterall, the meat should be simmered in it's own fat. Hence, I was expecting an explosion of umami taste to it. But somehow I was disappointed by Saveur's rendition ($8.90). The meat was just too dry. It's almost like eating a fried one to a confit. I expected more but then again maybe I expected too much?

Just in the nick of time, our last order as it is Saveur's last order. The Pistachio Panna Cotta ($6.90) couldn't have ended our dinner any better... I swore I could have ordered a few more if I didn't have a high tea buffet to attend the following day. But hey, I love my high tea buffet just as much so no regrets here :)

Saveur is set to impress the crowd that's for sure. Just look at the number of diners strolling in? Service was commendable since there's so few staffs catering to a full house. Our cups always seem to be filled perceptually by the attentive staffs. I'm more than happy to pay $0.40 for my cup of tap water if this were the service they provide. If only their waiting time could be as fast as they served their food... I think you will see me frequent here. 

My advice to you if you wanna try Saveur would be to come around 2pm for lunch and after 8pm for dinner. That's when the place gets a bit empty and less vibrant (noisy) if you know what I mean. Do note that they do not accept reservations so don't bother calling them unless you need to.

So after reading this post, do you still have the impression that French cuisines are only for the rich? 

5 Purvis Street #01-04

Singapore 188584

Tel: +65 6333 3121

Website: http://www.saveur.sg/

L'Espresso: The Goodwood Park English high tea experience

It wasn't too long ago when I was at the exact same colonial building having my Dim Sum high tea buffet with my family. Before you go away thinking "This boy here loves his Goodwood Park so much that he has to come twice in a month." I think I shall give you a brief background alright?

It's no secret that I have a high tea partner whom I share my particular fondness for high tea with. She speaks with experience from countless sessions herself. Converse with her and she will tell you all the different hotels that serve high tea. Clearly, befitting of the title, High Tea Partner.

Initially, we settled on Regent's Tea Lounge, renowned for their weekend high tea buffet but to our disarray, we couldn't get a table and we were told that they were fully booked till the month of June? Isn't that shocking?

I could still remember sitting in front of my "office" frantically searching all the various hotels for their high tea buffet just one hour before I went out to celebrate my unpretendious birthday while my partner called them up one at a time. I think the both of us might have rang up almost all the hotels located within city area. The only exception being Intercontinental because my high tea partner didn't like the place and I agreed too! 

But each time, we were either turned down because it's fully booked or they don't serve high tea buffets... That was until I chanced upon L'Espresso's weekday English high tea buffet and a reservation was finally done.

The things we do in the name of high tea. Only so few could appreciate but no matter as long as we do and that will do...

We were gestured to our table with a pair of exquisite teacups resting on the posh table which I love it very much... Apparently my partner flew off to get her food the moment we got our seats. You see we skipped our breakfast and lunch for tea, very typical Singaporeans right? 

Unlike Tea Lounge where you could indulge in all sort of tea till your heart's content. L'Espresso  limits their diners to just a mere two types of drinks. Say if you opt for their coffee, you only get one serving. Hence, my advice as well as my partner's opinion would be to get a pot of tea for the first serving because you could refill your pot constantly and once you had enough of tea, go for their coffee or get more tea!

Earl Grey would do fine for me while my partner opt for the more flowery Rosehips With Hibiscus Flower. Don't forget to strain your tea!

On with the food. It was quite a spread I have to confess. I shall let the photos do most of the talking here.

Two giant three-tier worth of Croissants, Sandwiches and other savoury treats. Milan Salami With Brie Cheese Croissants seemed to caught much of my attention as much as the Foie Gras Terrine With Citrus Jelly. They tasted as good as the ingredients used.

Fancy salads and smoked salmons? Past experience often tell me to skip salad (Surely, my partner would agree right?) and just go for the smoked fish. They didn't have a wide array of cheese to indulge upon. Besides, I'm no cheese connoisseur to being with.

Usually I would skipped the fried stuffs but I have to say they turned out pretty well, particularly the ebis.

I could always enjoy a well-torched Creme Brulee. Clearly, L'Espresso's rendition has set the benchmark for my future Creme Brulee testing.  It maybe petite but one could always go for more servings. Just to let you know, I personally took at least five servings just for pure indulgence's sake. 

My partner enjoyed the petite dessert so much that she scrapped off every single bit of it? See what I mean? It's really that good!

My mum famously made this statement: "Only Regent's Scones are edible!" Apparently, I can't help but to agree to what she says. They are great but no where near fantastic but hey, what's high tea without scones right? I was slightly disappointed when they provided every cream available but not one is deemed fit. I just need my clotted cream...

Chocolaty Araguani Brownies (top left), Chestnut Paris Brest (top right) and Coconut Orange Tranche (bottom left). Don't ask me how to pronounce them because all I did was to devour all of them! The Passionfruit Panna Cotta I have to say was the star of the day. It was so good that I would either asked my partner to get one for me or I will get two for myself and my partner.

If petite cakes aren't to your liking then their sliced ones might just do the trick?

The Pear Tarts were just marvelous. Delightfully sweet and refreshing. One of the better fruit tarts I've tired.

If cakes ain't sweet enough for your tooth, how about a tower flowing nothing but luscious chocolate? Sure goes well with strawberries and mash mellows There's also Haagen Daz Ice Creams to look forward too!

The scene of typical tea session. The truth is often unbelievable.

I got a bit sick of my Earl Grey and decided to call for my second serving. The crisp yet mild flavored of Sencha was the reason why I seek this green tea.

Having a new Galaxy SII is always useful to take shots of cakes. For me, Lumix 5 would do just fine...

We had a great time ourselves over at L'Espresso. 3 hours worth of all things sweet and savory. Given the variety L'Espresso has to offer, it's definitely worth the price ($38++) but there wasn't any ambiance to speak of considering there were pockets of tai tais throughout the lounge conducting their own fair share of tea sessions. The staffs were extremely attentive though in my opinion, they were overtly attentive. I guess it's better to get the attention than not to?

High tea is an art. An art enjoyed by two high tea fans...

If there's anything the two of us learn from this session, it would be to make reservations earlier, much much earlier. I foresee I will be Regent's Tea Lounge in time to come. For the best scones in Singapore, I shall wait...

Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road, Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 6730 1743
Website: http://www.goodwoodparkhotel.com/default-en.html

Max Brenner: The chocolaty ending

"Have you tried Max Brenner's chocolate souffles before?"

A question I asked my partner back some time ago and apparently, she didn't. At that moment, I just knew I have to bring her to try out. Afterall, all good things must be shared right?

It wasn't too long ago when we had a scrumptious lunch over at Outback Steakhouse but the chocolate brownie was simply just upsetting. I'm not saying it's bad but for the price, I have to say I tried better ones at much affordable price... I guess few people can apprehend our love for all things sweet yah?

The Melting Chocolate Truffle Heart Cake ($16.00) or as I just like to call the whole lovely creation-Chocolate Souffle, is one of those to die for stuffs! Molten chocolate just leaked out from the cake as we dig our spoons into it, wholeheartedly of course. If it's ain't chocolaty enough, then simply more chocolate sauce all over it alright? On second thoughts, I might have just realized that Max Brenner's rendition would be a hybrid of a really good chocolate souffle and an awesome chocolate lava cake instead but whatever it is, I still love my chocolaty creation okay?

The Vanilla Ice Cream accompanying our Chocolate Souffle deserves much attention too. Both of us agreed that the true taste of vanilla comes after the ice cream had completely melted in your mouth. Clearly, this is the definition of awesome. No, I'm serious! It's really that good!

Hot Chocolate can always be appreciated be it rain or shine. It just brightens everything up. Especially when you have a mug that tells you to hug the warm drink. How comforting does it gets? Anyway, I decided to go for the Dark Italian Thick Chocolate ($7.50). The smell was simply alluring. It was just plain rich and creamy chocolaty indulgence.

Finally, we could tell ourselves that our desserts cravings were no more until the next time...
There you have it. Our chocolaty ending, Max Brenner...

Esplanade Mall #01-06/08
8 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039802
Tel: +65 6235 9556
Website: http://www.maxbrenner.com/home.aspx

Outback Steakhouse

Besides high tea, my partner for the day has a particular fondness for pastas and I actually thought of introducing Saveur's Angel's Hair Pasta to my partner but it was a mistake on my part for not checking their lunch last order (2.45pm). Sadly though we were turned down at their doors when we reached at 3pm. It didn't really matter since we have the whole day to ourselves and after an hour's worth of searching for the next best place to chill over lunch, we ended up at the Outback Steakhouse on recommendation by my partner. 

A glance was all we need and we settled on the Toowoomba Pasta ($23.90). Beautifully crafted little ribbons pastas which we often call fettuccine simmered in cream sauce was more than just palatable. The whole eating experience couldn't been smoother...

There's nothing weird ordering seafood pasta at a steakhouse if they cooked them to such perfection. Surely my partner would agree to the statement too!

Ask any steak connoisseur and they tell you steaks are best eaten rare and medium-rare where the meat remains red on the inside while the exterior browns from the heat. Essentially anything beyond medium shouldn't be considered. I have yet to hear anyone having their red meat medium-well and much less well-done. I personally don't like my steaks too bloody so medium-rare would do just fine.

The steak lover's steak, a medium-rare 12 ounce Ribeye ($39.90). I would be a fool to doubt Outback's rendition since they are the people who specialize in steaks right? Espresso infused Ribeye seems appealing when we were told we could choose the style to which our beef shall be served. I can't really remember the other three choices but my partner and I found the espresso taste would be too negligible for our palette. 

Before our pastas and ribeyes came, we were served a loaf of brown bread. A search on the web tells me this should be the Bush Bread which Australian Aborigines have been baking few thousand years ago. Isn't that cool? Being a baker myself, I sure think this is sooo cool!

The loaf was crisp on the outside with a soft interior. I'm not sure if they were done in the traditional way, baked in hot coal. All I knew I had a good time tearing through the bread with the knife though my partner was saying I should do the tearing with my hands like she does...

There's a reason why my partner recommended Outback. She was here back some time ago for work purposes and got to knew one of the staff and promised to head down someday to try out their menu.

Desserts in particular can always be appreciated but we were too full for any and besides we have somewhere in mind for our desserts. So when they served us a complimentary the Chocolate Thunder From Down Under ($15.90), we were rather surprised about it and how could we reject such a kind gesture?

The nutty brownie was too moist and heavy while the chocolate sauce added a somewhat displeasing taste to everything sweet. The cream sitting above was too much even for me, a dessert fan to sing praises about it.  Maybe we are just fussy when it come to desserts...

The food was good but the service though I have to say... Excellent! I am particular impressed when the staff took the time to explain the menu. A 10% discount was also given on courtesy of the staff. I dare say it can be comparable with Prime Society, a fine-dining restaurant that serve in my opinion the best steaks cuts in Singapore and yes. We had a great time over at Outback Steakhouse.

Now the only question remain... Game up for some of the best souffle in Singapore?
Needless to say, we always are. So stay tune for part II.

Time 2@Millenia Walk #01-99
9 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039596
Tel: +65 6837 3242
Website: http://outback-sea.com/sg/index.html