Sunday, March 23, 2008

Cafe Cartel


One of my major grouses is the lack of good food outlets to choose from while waiting for your midnight movie to start. Often, your choice is limited to that one cafe that has the business sense to tap on this captured audience. And usually, it's packed despite the lack of quality. Cos, well, we just don't have much of a choice.
Cafe Cartel is one such "smart" outlet that opens till late at Plaza Singapura. I'm not much of a fan cos even the "chef's recommendation" leaves much to be desired.
Such as the brownie served with vanilla ice-cream. It was much to sweet and mushy.


What I enjoyed, tho, was the new tiramisu-espresso. All I can say is, POWER!
The coffee aroma was strong, and the drink was sweet and fragrant on its own. No sugar needed.

Sweeet factor: 3/5

Cafe Cartel
68 Orchard Road
#01-32/33/35
Plaza Singapura

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Kiddy food


Four letters that spell trouble - KIDS.
Keep you on your toes all day - worrying, fussing, yelling, begging, and when you're not looking, the little thieves steal your heart.
I tasted it first-hand not too long ago during my trip to Melbourne to visit my sister, my niece and nephew.
Disagreeable at first, I was greeted by a very grouchy four-year-old girl the minute I touched down.
Shy and quiet initially, her six-year-old brother was a tad friendlier, offering a soft “hello”, after more than a year of not seeing me.
As the hours passed, frowns turned to smiles, and the shy one was not at all shy in demanding, “Open your luggage quick!! Where’s my present?!?”
Running amok in their two-storey home, my mum was reduced to a bundle of nerves just trying to keep up with them.
Eating time was a challenge, as the slightest trigger would send the two into one of two modes:
Allies against adults. Or,
Maniacs against each other.
It was impossible to get them to finish a meal in less than the time taken for another living species to become endangered.
Riled up over the slightest harsh word, you would become public enemy number one, if you tried to get them back to the dinner table.
And only a very brave man would attempt to feed them anything remotely healthy, and risk unleashing hellboy-or-girl.
Chicken wings dripping with oil that will guarantee you a meeting with your cardiologist, now that’s the way to go. (Just kidding, Sis. Your sushi and chicken wings were a treat!)
Love them, cos it’s impossible to loathe them, it was a blast hanging with the two monkeys during my one-week stay.
Expecting to see them soon, cos I miss those two tantrum-throwing, screaming, grouchy, smiling, silly miracles already!

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Lemonzzzz


If you're like me and into all things sour, tangy and lemon-y, try adding a huge scoop of lemon sorbet to ice-cold lemon juice, soda water, bottled lemon drink, or simply sprite or 7-up.
The result is a real zinger that quenches your thirst instantly, and takes away that eeky, bloated feeling after a full meal.
Exactly like NYDC's signature Lemon Shiver drink, which I'm a real fan of.
You can make your own, in the comfort of home!

Sweets from Down Under


See my gorgeous stash of sweets from Australia?
Yummy fresh nougat from Queen Victoria market in Melbourne...


Good ol'fashioned jelly beans...


And cheap chocs and flavoured licorice!
Who can resist?

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Changing Appetites


The heavenly scent of freshly-made warm waffles beckons even before you enter this restaurant on the first floor of Marina Square. This is definitely the place to chill and hang out till late while waiting for your midnight movie.
The Choc-A-Lot mudpie was a real treat, with rich vanilla and chocolate layers, and generously drenched in thick chocolate sauce and choc chips.


Top it of with a cup of delicious warm mocha. Yumz!

Sweeet factor: 4/5

Changing Appetites
Marina Square
#01-204/2056
Raffles Boulevard

Sunday, February 3, 2008

More New Year goodies


Been totally gorging myself with goodies every day(and not exercising cos of the rainy weather), it's been too sinful for words!
Anyway, Dad came home with more pineapple tarts (thanks!), and other goodies from Puteri Mas and Harry Nonya Kueh today.
Pity he didn't get the love letters and Kueh bangkit from Harry's cos I heard they were divine, but the cookies were not bad too. The prawn crackers and cashew nut cookies were especially fresh and crunchy.
I have to complain about the sesame cookies from Puteri Mas though. Mom and I both had bits of sand in our cookies. Leaves much to be desired in terms of cleanliness.
Guess they should stick to what they do best - durian puffs.



Harry Nonya Kueh
460 Joo Chiat Road

Puteri Mas
475 Joo Chiat Road

Friday, February 1, 2008

Borders bistro


The crowd in a restaurant is very telling. While the rest of the eateries at Wheelock Place were packed, the Borders Bistro was not even half full.
But I went against common sense and stepped in for drinks and dessert anyway.
The champagne cake I ordered tasted nothing like champagne, and was dry and tasteless - a huge disappointment.
The Chai tea was not too bad though. The spices were fragrant, though the cookie which accompanied the drink was soft and stale.

Sweeet factor: 2/5

Borders Bistro
501 Orchard Road
#01-00 Wheelock Place

Monday, January 28, 2008

Chinese New Year is here!


Yay! I'm super happy to say that my order of gorgeous, most favourite pineapple tarts, almond cookies, cashew nut cookies, coconut cookies, love letters, prawn crackers, and of course, "tiam kuay" (sweet cake) has arrived!
All home-made and super fresh. Yup, it's Chinese New Year again!


Who can resist? Gong Xi Fa Cai, everyone!

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Ma Maison


This cosy corner joint at Bugis serves Japanese-style western food.
I had the hamburger steak with spaghetti, served in a stone bowl. Drenched in black sweet sauce, the beef patty was thick, yet tender, and very juicy. Complete with a perfect fried egg, potatoes, and vegetables, the stone bowl kept the dish deliciously hot till the very end.
Didn't have space for sweets afterwards, but thought this was definitely worth a recommendation on this space.

Sweeet factor: 4.5/5

Ma Maison
Bugis Junction
200 Victoria Street
#02-51

Friday, January 25, 2008

Deep Dish Egg Tarts


I love egg tarts. Especially pretty-looking deep dish ones, like the ones at Sun Moulin.
For $1.80 a piece, you get yummlicious sweet, smooth eggy custard, delicately held together in a buttery, not-too-crumbly, light pastry cup.
Gotta try the mango soft omelette as well, which is basically generous chunks of fresh mango, enveloped in a fluffy whipped cream filling, wrapped in light cake.
Yum! That's why I'm a fan of this cool Japanese bakery.

Sweeet factor: 4/5

Sun Moulin
Basement 1
Shaw House

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Jones the Grocer


Jones the Grocer is definitely a place worth checking out at least once. Didn't get a chance to try the desserts at the very Aussie cafe-cum-minimart, but the huge slabs of nougat behind the counter looked so irresistable, I had to go home with some despite the price. (more than $5 per 100g)
Suffice to say, the pleasure was worth the damage. The pistachios and cranberries were fresh, and the nougat, soft and chewy, just the way I like it.


Chocolate lovers, don't miss out on the rocky road too. Soft marshmallows, fresh cherries and nuts enveloped in rich dark chocolate. Need I say more?

Sweeet factor: 4/5

Jones the Grocer
Blk 9 Dempsey Road
#01-12 Tanglin Village