The Audacious Cakery: Weird is the word.
Labels:
cafe,
cakes,
chinatown singapore,
cupcakes,
desserts,
everton park,
hidden finds,
macarons,
outram
·
Audacious, it is to present a table full of sweets and desserts to four extremely judgemental palates.
Did Audacious Cakery eventually take the cake?
Unfortunately, not for me.
Located in the newly spruced up Everton Park region, you're cocooned within its rather warm, softly lit interiors. The cafes' simple layout and charming decor fitting in with the "hidden-gem" theme of the neighbourhood: think clear glass panelled windows bathing the room in natural light. The menu, an impressive spread of sweets ranging from signature cupcakes, petite entremets to the more finicky macarons.
With the macarons ($2.50-$2.80), a variety of herbs and flavors take centerstage. Sadly, these did not float my boat given their less than crisp shells and stingy fillings. Kudos to the Lemongrass and coconut combination though, I just wish there there was a slightly better balance of sweetness and muted acidity.
Moving on to the tarts; the Lemon Meringue ($5.80) and Chocolate Souffle Tart ($6.80); (for some strange reason, you can request for it to warmed up). Don't be fooled by its fuss free appearance, the former rebelliously flaunts the puckery nature of the lemon; creamy, buttery and gorgeously rich; this lemon tart was set to soar only to be knocked down by the mediocrity of the manufactured pate sucre base that lacked shortness and frankly, looked a little anaemic. With the chocolate tart, this was definitely the first time I encountered a choice of a souffle filling by a patissier and I was keen to try it out. Weird. The innards were ultra gooey, almost akin to a stringy soft cheese after being heated. Upon closer investigation, it was brought to our attention that the tart had been heated up before serving (apparently its been very popular eaten this way). I say NEH to the notion of direct heat since the egg white proteins would probably curdle and the crispy cookie garnish transforming into a chewy mess. Have it cold.
Then marched out the Cupcakes ($3.50). My favourite of the lot being the Black Sesame. Very potent in flavor, the cakes were in general very moist with a most huat kueh like texture. The fat-content in the Italian meringue buttercream could be toned down a notch as it left an oil slick on the lips after being noshed down.
Bottom plate (L-R): Forest Noir ($9.80), Chocolate Obsession ($8.80)
At this point, I'm thinking. I can't do desserts anymore. Yet, the allure of the mini cakes with their shiny glaze and petite garnishing tempts. Word of advice, stick with the cafes' chocolate offerings. The chocolate obsession being the star of the show with its slightly acidic dark chocolate mousse paired with a rich chocolate sponge. The Forest Noir, a spin-off the classic black forest cake may appeal to those who like a little alcohol in their desserts but certainly knocked my socks off with the extreme potent nature of the kirsch soaked cherries so deftly hidden within it's walls.
from L-R: Zacharie ($7.80), Faith, Strawberry Shortcake ($6.80)
Zacharie is a light cheesecake with a mango passionfruit jelly insert; despite it's pledge, I could hardly detect ginger in the biscuit base. For those who love the texture of tofu cheesecake, this is right up your alley. The Strawberry shortcake underwhelms with it's lack of general sweetness and depth of flavor.
Indeed, the food here casts good impressions with their attention to detail; regrettably, it doesn't deliver on a taste point of view. In this respect, there are loads of hits and misses with the desserts and it all depends on whether your choice matches up to your floating expectations. Good luck.
Audacious Cakery
Blk 2 Everton Park #01-161
Singapore 081002
Website: theaudaciouscakery.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/AudaciousCakery
Jimmy Monkey: When I Miss Home
Labels:
all-day-breakfast,
australia,
beer,
bistro,
brunch,
buona vista,
cafe,
coffee,
hidden finds,
onenorth
·
On the island state of Singapore, food trends are like waves breaking onto our shores, leaving us awash with new choices. We used to lament that finding a good cup of coffee was impossible; now the predicament is which cafe should we head to in order to avoid the crowds. And when I say crowds, that's an understatement.
The 'Third Wave Coffee' has relinquished itself in a influx of cafes dotting the island. Common Man Coffee Roasters, Anthesis, The Bravery, Ronin, The Provision Shop, (working title) and the Le Mama Shoppe are just some of the new kids on the block that have joined in the game. While these fresh picks amuse the hippy youngsters always on the lookout for new spots to instagram from. I always turn to the usual suspects for my quick cuppa. Presenting to you my rock, Jimmy Monkey at One-North Residences.
There's nothing quite fancy about this space. High ceilings featuring some odd features (the still in-tact toilet bowl originally on the second floor)), warehouse aesthetic referncing with minimalist features. Here, it's a safe space, truly evocative of my dwellings in most Sydney cafes where you could slave away on your lappie half the day or craddle a good read without being disturbed.
For something a little lighter on the palate and no less satisfying, order The Hulk - smashed avocado, chunks of feta and homemade dukka on sourdough. The interesting mix of middle eastern flavors and squeeze of fresh lemon juice lifts the dish with a citrusy and rustic nutty vibrancy. Definitely the best dish on the brunch table.
Heartier appetites can go for the Spaghetti with Chorizo and baby spinach. Al-dente with the perfect amount of seasoning makes this simple dish a crowd pleaser.
My mother very quickly worked through her Saint Joseph's Tartine, pausing occasionally to murmur through gorged mouthfuls; mostly swooning. The sauteed mix mushrooms is kryptonite, served on TBP multigrain sourdough and sided by streaky bacon.
I was disappointed by my Breakfast Sandwich though. I'm guessing it's another case of food envy at work but still I cannot dismiss the underwhelming Kay's relish (with a name engraved next to it, you would expect it to be a real showstopper); I could have used a little more of it and perhaps a little less acidity and more robustness.
That mini detail aside, the coffee was perfect. Indulging me in all my caffeine nerdiness.
Jimmy Monkey
9 One-North Gateway
#01-51 One-North Residences
Singapore 138643
tel: +65 6777 8470
facebook: facebook.com/jimmymonkeycafe
It just has to be. In time. In place. In spirit.
It just has to be."
Wings World: Shake your Tail Feather
Labels:
beer,
chickenwings,
East Coast/ Joo Chiat,
family friendly,
hidden finds,
pubfood
·
Have you met anyone who's immune to the simple, glorious charm of a chicken wing? I haven't.
Wings World, a fairly new joint set in the heart of Joo Chiat area appeals to the chicken wing aficionados in most of us. With 10 different flavouring options including dry rubs and wet marinades, one would be spoilt for choice. Explicitly focusing on the wings, the menu as well as the ordering process is kept tight and simple; and I suppose the back of house management be a little more straightforward in its food preparation. Not discounting the fact that all sauces are made in house, the heartbeat of Wings World comes from the kitchen, which I imagine to be plastered in wall to wall tubs of over 75 different spices and herbs.
Outside, the space is comfortable. Simple wooden panelling and few tables and chairs thrown around, a perfect backdrop for a casual catch-up with friends or an intimate family dinner.
Here, the wings take centerstage. I had the Mild Buffalo and Italian Herbs in a basket of 6 ($5.95) whereas my partner had the Rajin cajun and the Mango Habenero. For me, my choices yielded great content; the buffalo seasoning, a good balance of heat and tanginess whereas the Italian herbs had a good bite and zest going on. With the dry rubs, I liked that the coating was an appropriately thin layer, avoiding the situation where you catch rogue lumps of MSG laden seasoning with one bite. Coughing fits... nah.. we don't want that. The Mango Habenero however fell on the sweeter spectrum of things which I didn't quite enjoy. Bring on the heat please. Point to note: the wings may lean towards the gym-rat, anorexic side so do increase your order quantity for maximum gratification.
Wings World
214 East Coast Road
Singapore 428913
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WingsWorldsg
Website: http://www.wingsworld.com.sg/
Bistro Soori: The Silent Treatment
Labels:
chinatown singapore,
desserts,
duck confit,
european,
hidden finds,
may return,
restaurants,
setlunch,
tanjong pagar
·
I was sore and defeated. "It's not going to happen" were the cataclysmic words that escaped her lips, with that, we shy-ed away from the doors of Burnt Ends; frowning in resentment at our failure to snag a coveted seat at the tiny eatery.
Bistro Soori was just a few doors down. My stomach called the shots with it's undignified rumblings and we quickly made a scoot for the bar seats that offered an unobstructed view of the open kitchen.
On a weekday basis, Bistro Soori offers up a 3 course set lunch for an unparallelled price of $39.90. A real steal in my opinion. Further inspection revealed a menu that aims to please as many palates as possible; the starters, mains and desserts section each extending over 7 choices each.
I started with the Sauteed Garlic Prawns, Mixed Greens, Red Wine Vinaigrette. Coming to appreciate it's smaller portions and hefty anchoring of greens only later in the meal when the three courses started to weigh me down. The sweet and bitter mix of greens together with the vinaigrette giving the dish unexpected depth of flavor. The prawns - politely seasoned with a wonderful sear on it's exterior.
The kitchen revs into its own gear. A bustle of service with the occasional awkward clang of plates thrown into the cavernous sink. There was one shortfall: the lack of showmanship you would expect from an open kitchen. There was neither the casual interaction between chef and diner nor the heated exchanges between fellow chefs. All that existed was a heat-load of bodies moving gracefully around each other, no words exchanged, a well-oiled machine. Befitting of it's pristine, cool and chic surroundings perhaps; but I would have loved to see a little bit of life injected.
An espresso cup of Tomato soup followed soon after the starters were cleared. Perfumed with absolutely no spices whatsoever; I gently nudged away the bowl of piping hot soup (burnt the roof of my mouth a little). Yes, there were the clean flavors of the tomatoes predominantly but the kitchen put zero effort into it's flavor profile. I might as well be biting into a tomato straight up.
His: Roasted Pork Belly, Spicy Sausage, Corn Relish, Mustard Cream Sauce
This was received well apart from the corn relish that bordered on the overly sweet side. The pork belly could have used just a tad more time roasting as well.
My Duck confit was perfectly cooked, sided by a Asian influenced spinach and mushroom salad dressed to the nines in a Balsamic Reduction. I tasted a hint of Chinese rice wine amidst the dressing that added a considerable layer of flavor complexity. And one could also comment on the slightly overwhelming splash of dressing, but in the grand scheme of things and the dish's near perfect execution, that would be tantamount to splitting hairs.
Lately, I haven't had much luck with desserts at restaurants. Always stumbling on dishes that look the part, but taste as though it was the after thought of a mad chef's crummy menu planning. Bistro Soori made an addition to that list.
Pandan Soufflé, Cookie, Strawberry Compote. This created stirs around the table every time a perfectly puffed version gets summoned from the heated enclaves of the oven. Yet what we got was a wet mess of eggy flavoured innards underneath that green sheath that suggested either an improper incorporation of the creme patisserie with the eggs whites or egg whites that were beaten way past their prime. My Caramelized Banana Puff, Rum Syrup, Vanilla Ice Cream didn't fare much better with over macerated bananas that looked clumpy and unappetising. (I spied rather whole looking banana slices on my neighbours table previously.. CONSISTENCY.. they probably scraped the bottom of the barrel on this order). To make matters worse, my puff pastry was raw. A slight tearing apart of the layers revealing a pastry chef's worse nightmare.
I could have done without the desserts.
That being said. Bistro Soori charms by straddling Modern European culinary borders, reminiscing Asian inspired flavors and serving them up to their diners on a constantly rotating menu. Like an experimental kitchen, there are bound to be hits and misses which I've fully come to accept. The next time I return, I'll make a beeline for that Wagyu Beef Burger.
Bistro Soori
No. 2 Teck Lim Road
Singapore 088385
Tel: 6438 3802
e: info@bistrosoori.com
Cut by Wolfgang Puck: Best Meal of the year.
Labels:
epic,
marina bay sands,
special occasion,
steak,
wines
·
I apologise for my late notice, or lack of one for some, but I've been back in Singapore for the last 16 days. Incessantly sussing out the bustling food scene whilst at it.
With that mission in tow, and a empty cavernous stomach; I had one of THE BEST MEALS OF THE YEAR. Courtesy of a dearest friend of mine at CUT by Wolfgang Puck.
Mind you, this meal didn't come cheap, but at the end of the day, you must revel in the satisfactions that it incites. The thorough but non presumptuous service, staggeringly excellent quality of produce used and the chi-chi ambiance all around that leaves one vulnerable to feel an animalistic sense of desire.
The meal came to a smooth start with complimentary sliders and slices of crisp sourdough being presented at the table alongside freshly churned butter. Special mentions going out to the breadsticks that graced the table, a temptation that lurked around gracefully, attempting to spoil our appetite for the mainworks.
The side table was brought out and the gigantic cuts of marbled fats and proteins carried out for closer inspection. Be very amazed.
I have to admit, amidst all the glasses of recommended wines and the enveloping darkness of the room, everything becomes a blur. The food, oh, that lusting images still fixated in my dreams leaves little for imagination. Every bite filling a void that you have been left stranded with for every bad/mediocre steak you have had in your entire life. So this is what it feels like.
His: Snake River Farms Angus Beef, 220g Rib Eye Steak ($185)
Mine: True Japanese Wagyu from Miyazaki Prefecture Kyushu, Japan
170g Fillet Mignon ($220)
Our sides: Creamed Spinach + Sauteed Wild Mushrooms
For all it was worth, the true Japanese wagyu was a work of art, elevated only by the expertise of the kitchen in maintaining a perfect temperature, a perfect sear and all those juices sealed in, in a mad web of fats. The sides, another testimonial of the chefs' abilities to appreciate simple ingredients and churning out an honest complimentary dish to the steaks on the other end. Best creamed spinach I've had thus far.
The surprise birthday cake and the gregarious chantings of songs from the waitstaff was just icing on the cake after that.
If I had passed away that night. You would have seen a smile plastered on my face.
CUT by Wolfgang Puck
2 Bayfront Avenue,
The Shoppes at Marine Bay Sands
Tel: 6688 8517
Brasserie Les Saveurs: Au revoir mates
Labels:
food tasting,
french,
HGW,
hidden finds,
orchard,
st regis,
wines
·
One look at the French Chef de Cuisine, Antoine Bonnet, and I was picturing the glorious moments of sunset, the tangled manes of a horse, carefree, and a whisperer on its back, preened and glistening under the rays. No, I'm getting way ahead of myself. The feast he produced for us though was a real spectacle, refined french fare showcasing the authenticity of honestly good ingredients. The 'riding into the sunset' moment has to wait.
Dinner was at Brasserie Les Saveurs at the outskirts of the St. Regis Hotel main lobby, stowed away at the back of the entrance; almost like a secret enclave. Luxe materials drape the room and chandeliers illuminate the velvety interiors of the wide space. I, for one, was enchanted; but refused to judge the book by its covers.
Hence, the speculation began with the amuse bouche. Pan Seared Scallop with Potato Espuma with sesame oil. Brilliant sear on the scallop, the espuma delightfully seasoned, still I was expecting a bit more aeration in it. We trudge on. Dinner begins to look like a magical fairytale waiting to be unveiled.
The next dish that arrived at our tables did not tickle my fancy at all. Salad Nicoise ($36), a pedestrian dish uplifted only by the inclusion of more exquisite ingredients in there that possibly lead to its dismayed performance in my books. Blame me, I'm averse towards anchovies and artichokes.
Thank goodness for the Bouillabaisse Facon Les Saveurs($19)that followed closely. This resonated closely with me, mainly because Provencal French dishes are right up my alley. The rich broth flavored with Pernod (French made anise flavored liquer), saffron and star anise was a luscious shade of red, I greedily lapped up the lot. Snacking on the expertly prepared minuscule buffet of seafood. Served with garlic toasts with a saffron flavored mayonnaise dip, this was a combination delicious on its own and left me bewildered as to how to enjoy them simultaneously.
The Chillax Lobster, aka Le Homard Thermidor($75) was the next to grace the table, its idle posture, a contrast to the tedious work that went on behind the kitchen. Hailing from Brittany, the delicate flesh of the lobster was sauteed with white wine and cognac and served with sauteed spinach and lobster emulsion. Until this day, I dream about the pincers which have been fried in contrast to the rest of it's body. A technique that still managed to yield soft sweet crustacean flesh that was seductively crisp around the ages.
Nothing speaks haute cuisine quite like table side service. A rare and dying art, we were fortunate to be able to embrace that experience; even if it only meant the carving of a gargantuan roasted prime rib rack. On a fashion savvy trolley nonetheless, the chefs approach the table with stark professionalism and nimble fingers, presenting each diner with the Australian Prime Rib ($48), roasted potatoes and tomatoes on the side with either a wine reduction jus or horseradish sauce on the side. I adored the piquancy of the latter and how it complimented the raw flavors of the meat. I kid you not, since my portion was carved out of the middle section of the massive chunk, it leaned towards the rare side, the throbbing bluish red flesh a tad too under done for my liking. Could they have asked for a preference in doneness? Don't know how that's done with tableside service...
Dessert came in the form of chocolate bon bons (which we sneaked into our bellies before the main course even began, naughty...), some laced with alcohol and a variation of subtle flavors, this demonstrated the well-rounded skills of the in-house pastry chefs present in St Regis Hotel. However, our main dessert of Le Gateau A La Banane ($14) (despite it's sweet intentions), left much to be desired. From my guess, it featured an almond financier base, apricot jelly flavored with tea and banana mousse. The banana flavor in the mousse was not robust enough and the ginger as proclaimed in the ice cream was almost non-existent. The mango salsa on the other hand was divine, a titillating balance of sweet and acidity.
Well, that rounds off my last food review in Singapore for the past year. Work beckons for me in Australia and to my dearest foodie friends that I've left behind in Sunny Singapore, Thank You for all the well wishes! I shall be back for the occasional visits (or back for good if things don't work out for me. *Touch wood*). To those longing for a piece of greener grass, head on over to my Aussie version of my blog at SNAP EAT LOVE.
St Regis Hotel
Lobby Level
29 Tanglin Road
Singapore 297911
Tel: +65 65066860
Website: http://www.brasserielessaveurs.com/
Clifford: Not so fine dining
Labels:
burgers,
clifford,
desserts,
hidden finds,
overrated,
raffles place
·
In light of a recent festive occasion (my mother's yearly statistical increase of nagginess level), we chose to bask in the laps of luxury of the Clifford Restaurant located at Fullerton Bay hotel.
Ushered to our tables, I was floored by the beautifully outfitted dining room. Gorgeous woodgrain dining tables and chairs with a lavish touch of red fabric throughout. The lovely table lamps emitting a pale glistening of light that provided the ideal intimate settings for a hearty meal with loved ones; (though I imagine having a male companion would be tons more interesting)
To kickstart the evening, we were treated to baskets of bread served with french butter on the side and a lovely duck rilette served in miniature ceramic pots. I adored the pate and completely broke my 'less-carbs' rule with the delicious tango of flavors between the warm slightly crisp bread and the well balanced pate.
My starter of Hokkaido sea scallop and Boston lobster carpaccio with black truffles vinaigrette ($28++) was a real piece of art work on the plate, unfortunately, failed to deliver in the taste department. The overpowering acidity of the vinaigrette blocking out the sweetness of the fresh scallop and lobster completely, the thinly sliced shards of black truffle lost in translation.
The Chicken Salade Caesar fared much better with the poached chicken slices drizzled in a light dressing stealing the limelight. The foccacia croutons were absolutely addictive in this dish. Note that the portion size was a tad big for a starter so you might want to consider sharing. (be nice...)
For the mains, it was a toss-up between the duck confit and the Wagyu Foie Gras Burger which I eventually leaned towards since we all know the pulsating effects of burgers on my teensie heart. Aged cheddar, caramelised onion jam and a slab of seared foie gras complete with truffle fries. This sounds like an absolutely dream on paper, lamentably, the entire dish just didn't sit well with me. The burger buns which were in all honesty nothing to boast about had been completely soaked through from the tomato slice which sat so unstrategically at the bottom of the burger. The patty lacked seasoning on any level and hence the lavishness of the foie gras forced the make-up of the dish into borderline clunkiness. And if you were hoping for the truffle fries to act as redemption, they weren't. The truffle flavor was way muted and perhaps I've been spoilt by at least double fried potato standards; hence these left much to be desired. I was upset... hence the continuation into dessert.
Tarte tatin for two, was enjoyable. Love the touch of caramel on the plate that elevated the simple dish to a higher level. The Chocolate Moelleux was yet again another flop with a non-existent liquid center, I did love the crust that had emerged on the rich chocolate brownie like cake, but that aside, I was sorely disappointed.
Petit fours were brought to the table at the end of the night. I wish they hadn't since these outsourced beauties did nothing to justify the tummy space they had taken up. The macarons were just wrong; and the kueh lapis was a dried up mess. Pardon my straightforwardness in this post that may come across a bit crude but restaurants like these should serve food befitting of its image. It's a shame how one can dine in such resplendent settings and yet be served such mediocre food.
The Fullerton Bay Hotel
80 Collyer Quay
P.S. I would like to announce the launch of my SYD edition blog over at Snap Eat Love. Do 'like' my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/snapeatlove for updates about my foodie escapades in Sydney!
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