I've always had a penchant for vegetables, noming my way through my plate of greens like a meek cow during meal times. No signs of rebellion whatsoever. I would often stare with awkward befuddlement whenever another kid would shove away his vegetables, nudging it to the side of the plate and then subsequently throwing a fit when circumstances gets to forceful. 'Why?' Don't they see its' allure?
Growing up, and gaining access to the covers of the vegetable dictionary; I embraced my edible greens with a tighter affection. My stint in Australia reinforcing our relationship with love gifts in the forms of ruby red beetroot, bitter endives and hybrid broccoli. It is a libation that brings back many happy memories - a time where getting your hands on a superb salad at any deli or even making your own at a fraction of the cost was as easy as pie. The salad maker driven by a purpose to to do as little as possible to highlight the vitality of the greens. I've since then feasted on countless salads, ranging from those of more innovative nature, incorporating deep fried quinoa; to the classics like caesar salads with a glorious homemade anchovy dressing that throws it into a class of its own.
I miss all that. Supermarkets brimming full of seasonal produce, and mixed leaves that don't cost you an arm or a leg. Unfortunately, the truth of the matter is that in Singapore, with everything being imported in, salads are expensive. Still, with the notion of eating healthy with conscious effort on everyone's' mind, salad joints have been doing a roaring business.
One such outlet is Foodology Fresh, located beside Maxwell food centre. Talk about choices, chicken rice versus a roasted chicken salad; you know where my allegiance lie. But lets give the cleaner choice a go shall we?
Working with a self-serve concept, Foodology Fresh empowers customers to make their own meal choices. Enforcing power to the hands of the office workers to make the healthier choice. What works for me? Shall we find out?
Neatly stacked, you'll find a good selection of wholesome lunch options. Do take note that a current promotion includes a soup, quiche or muffin at just $3 with every purchase of a salad, sandwich or wrap. A few of the standouts for me from the salad section were the Smoked Duck Breast Salad and the Roasted Chicken, Grape and Apricot Salad.
For something a little more hearty, go for the Chili Con Carne Wrap or the Club Sandwich. The former carrying a slight spicy kick in the mix, mingled with a good amount of greens, the entire dish comes together quite nicely.
And if you're flat out starved, consider topping up $3 for the Wild Mushroom Soup (original price: $5.80); a bowl of comfort perfumed with the robustness of roasted mushrooms; seemingly perfect for a pick-me-up on a rainy afternoon. The Pumpkin Soup is commendable as well but a tad too bland for my liking.
Quiche fanatics might want to give the quiches a miss. The 3 varieties of Salmon & Asparagus, Spinach & Mushroom and Chicken Ham, all missing the mark with their limp anemic crusts which to be brutally honest, were all a tad raw in the middle. Perhaps a few minutes in the microwave would do the trick *snorts*
Among the tasting portions on offer, the Smoked Duck Breast Salad which consists of mesclun, beetroot, sweet potato, red chicory, feta cheese, crisp caramelised walnuts and a tangy orange dressing is enough to warrant a singular visit to the joint. Earthy in flavors punctured by the salinity of the crumbly feta cheese and then twisted round the bend again with the jewels nubes of caramelised walnuts, this is one salad to invogirate the appetite for sure.
Desserts are yet again another shoddy affair with the sweet muffins leading the way over the lackluster tarts that have obvious issues with their gelatine content; resulting in a lemon curd that is somewhat more of a lemon jelly devoid of its desired creamy texture. For a good afternoon treat, pick up the banana walnut muffin instead, its moist innards and aromatic wafts of familiarity a good accompaniment to a piping hot cup of coffee.
Foodology Fresh, for me, does not hold up to its end of the bargain, it's offerings lacking the persuasive power to convince me to choose the healthier route over a quick trip to the hawker next door for a belly busting meal (which explaints the beer and Xiao Long Bao I indulged in after this tasting). Still, its' cause is inspirational and perhaps in it's residenceý, the conversion of mindsets will be slow and ardous but still proceeding.
Foodology Fresh @ The URA Centre
45 Maxwell Road
#01-02, S(069118)
t: 6223 9724
Opening Hours:
Mon- Fri: 8am - 6pm
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