Showing posts with label farrer park. Show all posts
Showing posts with label farrer park. Show all posts

Humpday Quick Picks: Jade, B Burger, One Farrer Park Hotel X Da Paolo

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JADE unveils a NEW Dim Sum Experience on Weekends and Public Holidays

Jade has done away with their popular a la carte Dim Sum Buffet in favour of a more refined and no less delicious weekend dim sum experience. The Gourmet Dim Sum Treasures with set meals starting at $68++ per person and capping off at an extravagant $108++ per person for the Royal Peacock set aims to allude diners with an exquisite line up of courses ranging from dim sum to braised birds nest and crabmeat broth and my all-time-favourite sautéed Boston lobster which the kitchen perfects to the T every time.

To start, a trio of contemporary bites feed the visual senses. The plumpness hiding some divine ingredients such as scallop dumpling topped with fish roe, golden sea urchin siew mai and foie gras and truffle shrimp dumpling. Luxe versions of the ordinary really; it's obvious that Jade values quality over quantity. You might even contemplate chasing the meal with an astutely paired glass of wine (or champagne if you're feeling fancy). Prices start from $19 per glass or $98 per bottle.

Another worthy contender on the Purple Finch menu ($68++ per head) is the savoury Wok-fried Rice Flour Rolls with Scallops in X.O. sauce. It's a tricky one, assuming the appearance of a regular fried carrot cake, this one is a textbook of textures - the flat surfaces of the rice flour rolls carrying smoky wisps of charred flavour while its centers retain that delectable chew. Pan-fried scallops up the ante and the XO sauce has an addictive fragrance that will have you wiping out the plate before you can even say 'Hey, PRESTO!'


Jade
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
1 Fullerton Square
t: 6877 8188

Operating Hours:
Daily: 11 30 - 3pm; 6 30pm - 11pm
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B Burger - Classic American burger joint with a Japanese Twist


Just when you think the burger culture is dead, along comes the fashion forward crew of Benjamin Barker with their latest foray into the meat sandwich business - B Burger, cleverly located in Cineleisure. The aim, to capture the hearts and stomachs of the younger audience, a move so brilliantly encapsulated in its usage of hipster graphics, Instagram worthy motifs and cute packaging.

Just based on concept alone, I'm sold. The artsy murals and neon lights a resounding representation of my deep profound love for burgers. Touted to be a burger and concrete paradise, I was quick to jump the gun where criticisms are made - it's ballsy, it's reckless and done so with youthful abandonment. That's B Burger in a nutshell. Now, the real question is if it lives up to expectations. After a quick taste test, I would agree with the latter. The concretes and milkshakes were splendid. The burgers on the other hand are your basic offerings with smushy overly sweet buns that did nothing for its overall integrity. Best of the lot, the Bomchika Wow Wow (yes, you get quite a kick from plain placing your order over the counter) ($10.90) combines the winning combination of fried chicken and egg between black buns mindlessly employed for aesthetic purposes. The Baller Burger ($10.90) is a close runner up with the thin layer or nori adhered to the bottom of the umamified stack adding extra dimension.

Affordability is key here so don't expect a deliverance of gourmet burgers. Do however save space for the concretes which are worth every single calorie you're splurging on. The S'mores Milkshake ($6.90) is a good thirst quencher - signature creamy vanilla ice cream made in house swirled with Nutella and topped with smatterings of crushed graham crumb and toasted marshmallows. The Peanut Butter Jelly Concrete ($7.50) has got a wild-child personality - two scoops of vanilla concrete tainted with malt powder for a bit of nostalgic factor. This concoction championed by bits of smooth peanut butter that stick to the roof of your mouth and imparts bursts of saltiness between mouthfuls of jelly laden mess. If you've got stomach for desserts, don't think twice. Even the Death by Chocolate successfully ropes in the non-dessert fans.


B Burger
Orchard Cathay Cineleisure
8 Grange Road
#01-01/01A
S(239695)

Operating Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10pm

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One Farrer Hotel and Spa X Da Paolo Group collaboration
Italian Dining Experience


Running till the end of December, this Friday night pop-up features the best of Da Paolo Group's famous homemade cuisine with One Farrer Park Hotel's latest focus on its new "Total Lifestyle Environment" led dining concepts. Available only on Fridays and running till the 29th December, the 6 course menu is priced at just $75++.

The homegrown brand are kings of the good quality, Italian fare at affordable pricing and needless to say, the 6 course menu packs a couple of standouts. The Ravioli di Vitello con Pomodoro e Grana Padano for example, is a showstopper. These cookie cutter pillows containing braised veal, lit by adequate seasoning and just the right amount of unctuous fats to stand up to the silky sheets. They've also got the ratio of crabmeat to pasta spot on in the Spaghetti al Granchio. Fresh, tangy and slighty creamy but not in a faux pas kind of way, this dish will burrow its way straight into your heart.


Choice of mains include the Baked Chicken Roulade and the Pan Seared Barramundi. My preference lying with the former, the usual stodgy chicken dish breathed new life into with an injection of various textural references from sauted mushrooms to the ethereally light bed of truffle risotto engulfed in a moat of forest berry red wine jus to refresh the palette in between bites


You're not leaving an Italian feast without first digging into some form of dessert. Da Paolo showcases its signature tiramisu as part of the set and I'm betting my bottom dollar on it. The moist slice eats like a dream, sponge fingers soaked in just the right amount of liquored goodness to promote healthy conversations at the table.


One Farrer Hotel & Spa
Level 6, Poolside
1 Farrer Park Station Road
S(217562)
t: +65 67057825


Seoul Jjimdak: Hearty Korean Stews in the heart of Little India

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Korean stews in the heart of Little India. No, we ain't kidding.

City Square Mall may be a bit of a stretch for a west-sider like me. However, if drastically erratic weather patterns beckons for indoor dining action; I would definitely pitch the idea of venturing to the mall situated conveniently above Farrer Park Mrt Station for food and perhaps a little 'after-dinner' activities either at Golden Village theatres of the mega sporting shop Decathlon hawking all sports apparel and accessories you'll ever need.

[NEW MENU] Hungry Heroes: Burgers Galore in the shadows of Superheroes.

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I have high expectations when it comes to burgers. 

No shit, Sherlock (Hey, Captain America, I think I just said a bad word). *grimaces* Bad jokes aside, my intolerance for poorly constituted piles has become much talked about topic among fellow foodies. So upon arriving at Hungry Heroes and presented with a media-tasting menu that features 3 different burgers, not one of which was the conventional beef variation, my hairs stood on ends. 

But first, appetizers to let the Proper Job IPA slide down a little easier. Heros Fries ($10) and Clash of the Potato, Mayo and Scallions ($7) are diet fiends that may just be well worth its calories. The former is your usual skinny fries topped with a landslide victory of chilli con carne, criss cross drizzles of nacho cheese and then another solid lattice of mayonnaise overhead. Talk about overkill. I would however, point you in the direction of the latter, the clash of the potato, a winsome potato salad dish enhanced by crispy duck fat cooked potatoes, a zeng-ed kewpie mayo sauce and huge pilings of spring onion. Rub it all in and you're most certainly to overindulge on this course alone.

Quick Picks: Weekday eats that won't gnaw into your wallet.[Part 1] || Koji, Attap House, Nan Hwa Fishboat

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Eating on a budget doesn't need to swear off tastiness and border on mediocrity. Here are some of my quick picks for lunch/dinner spots that would be great catch-up spots with friends or even a less romantic deviant for a weekday date night.

First up, Koji, a name synonymous for delightfully engaging chirashi don bowls amidst some pretty tight circumstances. Yes, squeeze your way past the backed up chairs against the wall surrounding the middle island of frenzied chefs and pent up frustrations, and you'll be rewarded with a superfluity of fresh seaward bounty. 

Creature S: Twisted creatures that are best not to disturb

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Here's a little Thursday jeremiad. 

Creature S....All that initial excitement, pumped up by deliciously spun tales and sights of its artfully decorated interior; plummeted to the ground after a very lackluster dinner crippled by horrendously amatuerish service. The only thing keeping us calm at the table whilst we received one glass of wine as opposed to the two that we ordered, was the therapeutic lemongrass aromas wafting through the air, reminiscent of a spa experience. Except that in place of amiable ladies in waiting, sophomoric adolescent boys took their place, typing on their phones furiously while our backs were turned.

Momiji Japanese Restaurant: Oysters Haven

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Daunting. That was the word that first popped up in my head when faced with an invite to a buffet restaurant. For starters, I do not have a small appetite. However, when greeted with such a lavish spread of pabulum, my brain feeds on the matter way quicker than my stomach; and before you know it, I'm stuffed. *sulks* 

Thankfully, I approached the Momiji Japanese Buffet with a different strategy in mind. Spurred on by the Oyster Festival (promotion available till 1 Jan); there was no beating around the bush, I went straight in for the kill.

Cocotte: Snail-paced Rustic French in Little India

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I was greeted with the puffy-faced, glossy eyed stare of a man who had just spent the last 5 minutes of his time trapped in a bathroom, the tussle for life taking a toil on his ruptured oesophagus. The culprit to his misery, a measly fish bone that had somehow weaselled its way into his food and lodged itself deep in there. I looked on helplessly and dragged my fork through the mustard sauce, pausing to pass a comment in a bid to shed some calming effect. (Don't judge, I eat when I'm stressed *sheepish grin*). 

After chewing on a slippery banana (offered so kindly by the worrisome staff) and several gulps of water later, the worse had come to pass and my partner resumed eating at a frenetic pace, an action spurred on by the tardiness of the food. Our orders of seabass and roast pork collar taking a solid 45 minutes after ordering to arrive at the table. Was it worth the wait you might ask?

Babette: French meets Japanese in a Contemporary Hybrid

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Even restaurant-clogged Singapore has its food deserts, neighorboods where dining destinations (Good ones I mean) are like finding a needle in a haystack. But as restaurateurs seek out less-expensive and less saturated areas, a few are coming to life. Take the swath of land straddling Lavender and Jalan Besar, after the move-in of coffee institution Chye Seng Huat, several other cafes have followed suite, Windowsill Pies, Tiramisu Hero and the Bravery for example want in on the piece of action. Yet, with that much talk generated about these wild children, Babette still remains under the radar. 


To quench my thirst after having traverse the neighborhood by foot, I ordered the Yuzu Beer ($14) a refreshing pint of beer that appeared to be tinted with a glorious bit of sunshine. As I worked through the pint slowly, every bit was as sweet and tangy as the last, a possible incentive to order this drink as there is no need to rush through it as you do with most beers.


The starter of Grilled Octopus Salad ($17) consists of Mediterranean octopus braised in Japanese sauce and served with fresh garden greens; while its vibrancy garners attention, it doesn't do much to charge the palate for the plates ahead. The piquant citrus dressing with orange segments not tantamount to the slightly chewy octopus that hadn't managed to pick up the sweetness of the braising liquids. 

Owner Darren Wee ( who also happens to be a Radio DJ on 98.7fm) explains that the menu at Babette is reflective of his personality and cravings at the moment. "Take for example the roasted avocado, I've been dreaming about it a whole lot and would want it to be incorporated in more future menu items.", even playfully accepting my challenge to do a chocolate avocado pairing for desserts! Here, the food transcends words or boundaries... so lend a hand to your imagination and enjoy the loud, raucous and seemingly bizarre array of dishes.


Somewhat similar to the Babette movie experience, the first few courses were sleep inducing. Charred Cauliflower ($8) with yuzu veloute attempts to dazzle with its rare presence as a starter on its own at the table but honestly could use a touch more seasoning.The buttered soup base had a bisque like quality to it but needed a little more acidity.

This was followed closely by the Roasted Avocado ($12) stuffed with Aburi Salmon and diced tomatoes. Each bite with all the elements on the fork mellows out to a sweet creamy briny finish from the salmon. 




Entrees continues without a hot streak of goodness, the Confit Salmon & Soba ($17) looking every bit as unappetizing with the confit salmon that appeared tampered with (not in a good way), the white edges and absence of healthy pink acting as red lights to the hopes of perfectly cooked fish. The soba noodles on the other hand were nicely seasoned with a light touch of dashi and Japanese herbs, that with the tamago served on the side were the saving grace of the dish.


Another instagram darling of the restaurant is the Steak and Foie Gras Donburi ($28), where deliciously salty marbled cut sirloin steak is paired with creamy foie gras and drizzed with the signature babette sauce. I liked the doneness of the steak, it's ruby red innards giving the impression that it was under-done, however, this is probably due to the sous vide technique which has resulted in an out-of-this-world succulent flesh with a nice crust developed from a quick sear in the pan. The one shortfall, was the foie gras which was cooked to the point that it was chalky and very unpalatable. 

Affordable entrees include the Duck Confit Donburi ($28) which features a generously portioned duck confit sitting atop a bed of sushi rice, flanked by homemade pickles. A good option for people looking to have French fare and yet still have their dependable form of carbohydrate, rice.



Seeing that plans for the remainder of the night were beginning to take shape, I rev-ed up the engines once more with Babette ($16), a refreshing sour mix of passionfruit, lemon , mint and gin. This simple concoction all comes together so unexpectedly and right that it's easy to work through one too many during your visit. So be warned.


Before concluding your meal at Babette, be sure to order the Matcha infused White Chocolate fondant ($12 ) , judicious with sugar and complimented by the bitter grassy notes of Japanese Matcha powder, the lava cake is sure to steal the limelight and is best eaten with vanilla ice cream with premium azuki beans on the side. Simply sublime.

Babette's cuisine may adopt a mild sense of weirdness, however, with direction and leadership from owner, Darren, this destination cashes in on a whole unique attitude of a disregard for food trends, which has proven useful in setting it apart from other diners in the area. Definitely a place worth checking out (especially so for the lava cake.)

Babette
165 Tyrwhitte Road, #01-03 Parc Sovereign Hotel
S( 207569)
t: 6241 7727

Opening Hours:
Daily 11am - 11pm

Suprette: a Top 3 Burger...

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The end of my burger drought came in the form of a Suprette Burger ($20, +$3 for extra bacon), this was not just another pretty looking burger stack as it seems like, and somehow I can't get it out of my mind. Here at Suprette, the kitchen doesn't stinge, loading the wax-paper lined platter with an initially intimidating mountain of fries that would unknowingly disappear in a matter of time; seconds optional and highly dangerous. The cook on the beef patty was spot on, a slight pink in the middle teasing me with it's moist innards. The melted gruyere cheese forming a nappage over the patty, lending that edge of complex savoury notes to the construction. 

First trip was a charm. Now it was time to put it to my test of 'repeated visits'



The Ken's Heart Attack Burger ($45) is the most dressed-up  version of a burger I've ever laid eyes on. Reaching staggering heights with a double patty, bacon, gruyere and mushrooms all layered by a master builder in the confines of his kitchen. The strips of perfectly fried bacon with the gooey cheese making it a comforting mess of umami and saltiness with a touch of earthiness from the mushrooms. As much as the monster burger carried sensible flavors, it would be crazy not to share this with someone. 

My verdict  on this burger aligned with the many opinions I've heard thus far, this is your secret go-to burger. One that fills the voids of broken dreams and horrid days. The cat's out of the bag.


Did I mention that fries are a free flow affair. Eat that...


Suprette
Kam Leng Hotel Lobby
383 Jalan Besar
S ( 209001)
Tel: 6298 8962


[City Square Mall Food Festival 2014]: Paddington House of Pancakes

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For those of you who have read the title with a blank stare, City Square Mall is a shopping complex straddling the junction of Serangoon and Kitchener Roads, with direct access to Farrer Park MRT station, this mall hopes to attract both local and tourist shoppers alike. 

With over 700,000 sq ft of gross retail space, spread over five retail levels, it is home to about 200 tenants that cater to the lifestyle needs of today's discerning mid-income families. From 4 July to 3 Aug, City Square Mall has lined up a selection of great snacks and meal offerings for friends and families and I had the fortune of following a food trail that lead me from one such food haven to another.

Spacious and airy on the second level of City Square Mall is Paddington House of Pancakes. To say that Paddington House only does pancakes in a derogatory tone is to undermine the highlights of this establishment. Yes, so its true that they only do pancakes.. but with 100 different sorts from around the globe to fill out the pages of its menu; I can assure you that there would be lack of boredom even with a continuous daily dining ritual at this outlet.


To help you navigate the super extensive menu, let's break it down. Firstly dishes are separated into starters, savoury pancakes and desserts. The savouries are then sub-divided into the different countries of origins; flapjacks from America, pannekoek from Holland, crepes and galettes from France and Blintzes and blinis from Russia.

We kicked off with drinks, the array of tall glasses dressed in bright colors bowling us over with a residing fear of sugar overdose. Yet, some of these drinks boast some really healthy qualities that would help to balance out the heaviness of the meal ahead. Take for example the Perky Lemon and Mint Sparkler ($5/gls & $17/jug), this spritzer edges further into fresh ground using lemon, mint and soda to cleanse the palate and eliminate perspiration threats; the Immune Zone ( $7) is a refreshing mix of peach, apple, honeydew and cranberry that suffers a bit of unflattering browning from the oxidation of it's natural contents, no complaints there since what you get is essentially a fresh squeezed tumbler of fruits. My favourite however would have to be the Kiwi and Melon Yogurt ripple ($7) which may appear a bit off-putting at first with its neon green spirals rounded off with coagulated bits of white rings, but slurp it all in one solid 'pulling-up' manoeuvre with your straw and you get a collision of sweet and sour creamy sensation all at once.


Cheesy Wedges & Fries ($8), Belgium style with grilled cheddar, crispy turkey bacon bits, basil and tangy mayonnaise. This was a simple snack done right, the bowl arrives with a heaping pile of piping hot fries and wedges; good for the indecisive or table of party-goers with varying taste. The rich pool of cheese sauce on the side, a welcome addition for some cheeky dipping.


One of the more memorable (midst the food comatose) main dishes we got to sample that night include the Classic Buckleberry, blueberry pancakes served with a good measure of soft cream cheese in the center. Scrambled eggs with a healthy dose of diced greens add color the plate. We weren't bowled over by the turkey bacon and mushrooms on the side and opted instead to fill up on the fluffy pancakes that were humbly exquisite with a slathering of maple syrup. 


Tuscany ($13) crepes with eggplant, grilled zucchini, olives, peppers, mixed mushrooms, mozzarella and homemade tomato sauce. Reads like a winner but the raw eggplant slices within threw it off its game a little. A good option for the vegetarians.


Paddington House of Pancakes thrive on their endearing selection of desserts, each representing an exclamation point in the entirety of the food trail. The Strawberry New York Cheesecake ($8) pulls out all the stops with its drool-worthy trifle like presentation. Each layer a hidden secret of contrasting textures, the fresh whipped cream, vivacious strawberries, tangy cream cheese mousse, digestive crumb and dollar pancakes making for a familiar yet unique combination that keeps you going back for more.


Dollar Pancakes ($12) was yet again another novel concept for those who can't seem to get enough of their pancakes. A bowl chock full of mini sized pancakes, topped off with ice cream and a myriad of wildly coloured fondue sauces for dipping. Imagine that...

Note: Paddington House of Pancakes has also recently introduced new fondue flavors, chocolate, butterscotch, salted butter caramel, red velvet and white chocolate; all of which I found strangely commendable despite their alarmingly shocking colours.


Frankly though, my favourite dish of the night appeared the last belly-bursting moment, the Apple Fritters ($13) served with strawberries, raisins and banana sorbet. This was truly expressive cooking, exploring shades of flavor more watercolour than acrylic. Judicious with sugar, the crisp apple fritters, were a delight to eat with the contrasting frigidity of the accompanying ice cream. My kryptonite.


The food trail at City Square Mall also brought us to Momiji Japanese Buffet Restaurant on the 5th level of the complex. The 'eat all you can' concept at this restaurant makes it a popular choice among-st the ravenous, the young and restless and the plain greedy. Since I was neither, I spent most of my time wandering the aisles and admiring the extensive selection on offer. 

Good news for the drinkers is the Happy hour from 6 30pm to 7 30pm daily that sees a free flow of Sapporo beer. So drink your fill!



Some of the highlights for me would have to be the Sushi and sashimi that seemed highly popular hence the continuous stash of fresh goodies greeting the counters more frequently than some other items. Give the cooked items a miss as most of them appear a little dehydrated from the long periods of exposure under the heat lamps. And don't forget the haagen daaz ice cream for sweet endings!

Lunch buffet prices are set at $24.80++ on weekdays and $29.80++ on weekends and Public holidays whilst dinner ranges from $37.80++ to $39.80++.

For the month of July, various outlets in City Square Mall have organised special foodie deals for their patrons; for example the 1-for-1 Signature Beef noodles at Lai Lai Taiwan Casual Dining or the Song Fish head for only $9 at Paradise Inn! Terms and conditions do apply though so click on the banner to find out more! 


Fundamentally Flawed dined as a guest of Paddington House of Pancakes & Momiji Japanese Buffet Restaurant, opinions are however strictly her own. A major thanks to Deborah of SPRG for the warm invite and intimate hosting session.

Paddington House of Pancakes
#02-35/36 City Square Mall
180 Kitchener Road, Singapore 208529

Momiji Japanese Buffet Restaurant
#05-05/06 City Square Mall
180 Kitchener Road, Singapore 208529

Jewel Cafe + Bar: OMG

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I loved that you were late because that just gave me more time to squeeze some more shots of the place.

My dining accomplice arrived a tad late. Held back by the nasty traffic that curse the Jalan Besar area daily, just slightly before the mad peak hour rush. No complaints of course. I happily settled down at the table with a cappuccino and a magazine which I hastily picked out from the vast spread made available and pondered life's choices. All was peaceful then.

Jewel Cafe + Bar is a second outlet, with Jewel Cafe at Shenton Way shedding the light on to this new establishment. Having had huge success taking the coffee route with the working class in the heart of town, Jewel Cafe ventures out to the more "indie" zone of Singapore to dabble its luck. What is remarkable about the place is firstly, the location - where else do you turn out the black-soaked, Tamil-reigned area, walk a couple of steps and find yourself in a "hole in the wall" styled cafe and bar complete with tinkering warmth and strange modern light panelling overhead? Then there is the food served. At this cafe+bar concept, a full fledged menu of hot meals harbouring around the safe origins of comfort foods is provided. Some not so safe... but with major emphasis on freshness and down-to-earth flavors made right from scratch.


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The dish of Umami Prawn Cappellini ($22) arrived at the table a 'hot mess', the bonito flakes atop the pasta revelling in the heat. Grilled prawns, crustacean oil, bonito flakes, Tobiko (flying fish roe), and Umami 'magic dust' made up make up this dish. Sadly it wasn't mine.

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Worth the wait, my OMG! Burger ($20) quickly stole the attention of my accomplice and with cruel intentions, I allowed him to bathe in the green luminance of jealousy for awhile before painstakingly slicing him a portion to taste. He swooned and pouted, my heart sang a little more at my triumphant choice. Fully loaded with crispy bacon, luncheon meat, lettuce, USDA beef patty, caramelised onions and cheese between two deliciously buttered brioche buns, it was indeed a deadly mix. let's not forget the perfectly fried sunny-side egg, the crowning glory of the dish, one that sent an intoxicating meander of yolk, streaming down the sinful tower of glorious ingredients. This dish definitely stole my heart for the night and is one of the top contenders on my ever-growing list of burgers conquered.

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One more look at the heart-attack on a plate

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For all your coffee snobs out there, do not leave Jewel Cafe without a cup of artisan coffee. With beans roasted in-house and espresso-based coffee specialities extracted using the Italian state-of-the-art La Marzocco Strada machine, you will surely be in for a treat.

I'm so checking out the uber chic loft level the next time round!

Jewel Cafe and Bar
129 Rangoon Road, Singapore
Tel: 6298 9216
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JewelCafeAndBar