Showing posts with label Brunch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brunch. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Origin Grill @ Shangri-La Singapore - Redefining Sunday Brunch with Elevated Brunch Classics

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Origin Grill at Shangri-La Singapore has recently launched a brand new Sunday brunch experience. The hearty brunch affair includes unlimited servings of small plates, featuring an array of exclusively crafted appetisers and elevated brunch classics alongside Josper Grill creations for the mains.

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If you are in the mood for a boozy brunch, add on the free-flow beverage package ($88++ per person), which includes the curated Kir Royale with champagne and house-made liqueur infused with a variety of fruits and florals. There is also a choice of Veuve Clicquot champagne from Australia, Shaw & Smith Chardonnay, Mitoloa Jester Shiraz and a selection of spirits. We had a Chrysanthemum & Honey Royal and Raspberry & Grapefruit Royal.

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Origin Healthy Bowl 4/5

Origin Healthy Bowl is one of my favourite dishes. Seasoned with salt and olive oil, I like the earthiness of the Organic Kale, which also offers a very pliable texture. The salad had a tasty blend of textures and flavours with creamy avocado cubes, crunchy broccolini and crisp baby radish alongside nutty Spice Seed crumbs. The slices of pickled onions complemented the overall flavour with a hint of acidity.

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Seabass Ceviche 2.5/5

Seabass Ceviche has an Asian-inspired flair to its flavour profile - Coconut Cream, Chilli, Coriander, and Mango Salsa. The ceviche lacked a much-needed zest and acidity, especially when the Mango Salsa leaned towards the sweeter side.

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Pork Rillette 4.8/5

Pork Rillette is a winner with unctuous and well-seasoned Pork Rillette, served with apple salad and grilled walnut bread. The bread itself had a nutty profile, which complemented the creamy spread.

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Josper Grilled Butter Lettuce 3.5/5

Josper Grilled Butter Lettuce presents a luxurious take on caesar salad. Generously coated with caesar dressing, the butter lettuce was creamy with a subtle smokiness from the grill that lingered on my palate. Finished off with a lavish sprinkle of shaved parmesan, strips of crisp bacon and anchovy fillets, every bite into the lettuce was a morish experience.

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Foie Gras Toast 3/5

Foie Gras Toast is a dainty bite offering Foie Gras on grilled brioche loaf, complemented with pear chutney.

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Sweetcorn Soup 4/5

Sweetcorn Soup had a thick consistency, topped with spanner crabmeat and popcorn crumb. I immensely enjoyed its intense corn sweetness. A crack of black pepper would have been perfect.

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Truffle Mac and Cheese Macaroni 4.5/5

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Buttermilk Fried Chicken Waffle 4.5/5

Truffle Mac & Cheese Macaroni and Buttermilk Fried Chicken Waffle are decadent small plates that might tempt you to forsake your mains! The Truffle Mac & Cheese Macaroni featured just the right amount of Gruyere Bechamel, creating a desirable gooeyness that coated the macaroni. Topped with maple syrup and chipotle hollandaise, the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Waffle had a moreish combination of savoury-sweet flavours with a hint of heat. The waffle, fluffy with a crisp exterior, paired excellently with the crispy bacon and fried chicken. While the chicken could have been meatier and more tender, the crispy bacon in all the dishes was exceptionally tasty without being overly salty.

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Avocado Benedict 3.5/5

Four Egg Benedict options are available, including Classic Egg Benedict. Avocado Benedict was wholesome and tasty, with a base made with avocado and edamame, topped with poached egg and a touch of lime zest. However, the consistency of the poached egg, like the other egg benedict we had, was an issue. They were more like soft-boiled eggs with watery egg whites, which dampened the dish.

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Crab Cake Benedict 3/5

Crab Cake Benedict is a must-try with Origin Crab Cake with Bisque Hollandaise. The sauce complemented the crusty crab cake; it was a pity that the portion underneath the egg was slightly soggy due to the watery egg white.

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Lobster Benedict 3.5/5

With an additional $22, you get a luxurious Lobster Benedict - Grilled Sourdough, ½ Butter Poached Boston Lobster Tail on grilled sourdough toast, alongside Sautéed Kale and Crispy Bacon, dressed with Bisque Hollandaise. The lobster tail was succulent, while the bacon gave the dish a delightful texture and savoury notes.

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Confit Duck Leg 2.8/5

From the Big Plates, we ordered a Confit Duck Leg featuring Hudson Valley Duck Leg with Foie Gras Jus, served with Duck Fat Fries. While the flavour was all right, we found it a tad salty.

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Yukimuro Snow-Aged Wagyu A4 Striploin 3.5/5

While the Big Plates also offers a classic Steak and Egg, we were recommended the Yukimuro Snow-Aged Wagyu A4 Striploin (100g Additional $86) from their Origin Signature Beef Cuts, served with Chimichurri. The Josper grilled steak had a rich flavour enhanced by the smokiness from the grill but was let down by the execution. The doneness of the steak could be more even.

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Tarte Tatin 4.8/5

Tarte Tatin was aesthetically pleasing and enjoyable for desserts with a caramelised Sweet Apple Tuille paired with whipped mascarpone, Honey Croissant and Honeycomb for texture. The creamy and milky whipped mascarpone combined the elements into one decadent bite.

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66% Chocolate Flan 4/5

For chocolate lovers, this 66% Chocolate Flan is a must. The Pecan Cacao Nib Praline gave it a nutty flavour, and the Vanilla Gelato added to the velvety texture of the flan.

Sunday Brunch at Origin Grill is available at $98++ per person every Sunday, from 11:30am to 2:30pm.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Origin Grill & Bar
Shangri La Singapore Hotel
Lobby Level Tower Wing
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel:+65 62134595
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon)
Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 23 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, September 9, 2023

Ya Ge (雅阁) @ Orchid Hotel Singapore - Exquisite Weekend Dim Sum Brunch

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Ya Ge Chinese Restaurant, nestled in the Orchid Hotel Singapore, has introduced an enticing culinary experience - the Exquisite Weekend Dim Sum Brunch. This brunch affair promises an array of premium, one-of-a-kind Chef's Specials, comprising meticulously crafted artisanal dim sum, hearty main courses, and delectable desserts. As a bonus, diners can savour these delicacies alongside unlimited servings of the restaurant's signature dishes.

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Siew Mai, Fresh Scallop Dumpling, Steamed Glutinous Rice Dumpling 4.8/5

Kicking off our brunch adventure was a trio of exquisitely prepared dim sum: Siew Mai with Abalone in Abalone Sauce, Fresh Scallop Dumplings with a delightful Mentaiko Mayo twist, and Steamed Glutinous Rice Dumplings crowned with lobster and bathed in a rich seafood sauce, topped with delicate bonito flakes. These were no ordinary dim sum; each bite was a carefully orchestrated symphony of flavours that danced on the palate.

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Double-boiled Shark's Fin Pomegranate Dumpling in Shark's Bone Cartilage Broth 4.5/5

One standout was the Double-boiled Shark's Fin Pomegranate Dumpling in Shark's Bone Cartilage Broth. It was like enjoying two culinary treasures in one dish – a luxurious dumpling encasing premium ingredients submerged in a deeply satisfying and gelatinous broth.

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Garden Greens Rill 3.8/5, Gyoza 3.8/5, Deep-fried Gourd-shaped Puff 4.2/5, Shrimp Ball 4.2/5

The dim sum brunch continued with another quartet of dim sum delights: Garden Greens Rill with Black Garlic and Tea Tree Mushroom, Pan-fried Snow-flakes Kurobuta Pork Gyoza paired with Japanese Leek, Deep-fried Gourd-shaped Sea Cucumber and King Oyster Mushroom Puff, and the innovative Lava Mango Shrimp Ball. Among these, the Deep-fried Gourd-shaped puff filled with sea cucumber and king oyster mushrooms was a revelation. The interplay of textures, from the chewy puff to the crunchy filling, was a delightful contrast. Equally impressive was the Shrimp Ball, a creative twist on the classic dim sum featuring a mouthwatering combination of fried prawn and mango.

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Crispy Noodles with King Prawn in Superior Broth 4/5

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Braised Minced Meat in House's Special X.O. Sauce with Japanese Pearl Rice 3.5/5

Moving on to the main courses, we savoured Crispy Noodles with King Prawn in Superior Broth and Braised Minced Meat in the House's Special X.O. Sauce served with Japanese Pearl Rice. While these dishes provided comfort and satiety, they couldn't quite match the artistry of the dim sum that had preceded them.

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Chilled Blueberry Yogurt Snow Ball Mochi 4.8/5, Steamed Red Dates Cake 4.2/5

The grand finale of the Chef's Special selection featured a tempting dessert duo - a chilled Blueberry Yogurt Snow Ball Mochi and a Steamed Red Dates Cake. However, the chilled Blueberry Yogurt Snow Ball Mochi truly stole the spotlight. It was my inaugural encounter with this Taiwanese sensation, and it left a lasting impression. The creamy filling, beautifully balanced with a stretchy mochi skin, offered a delightful contrast of sweetness and chewiness. It was a lovely discovery that concluded our dining experience on a high note.

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Chilled Mango Sago Pomelo 4/5

For those with ample room in their stomachs, the unlimited signature selections offered even more culinary treasures, including Mini Pumpkin Pastries with Minced Chicken, Mushroom, and Thyme, Ugly Duckling with Chicken, Yam, and Mushroom, Golden Pumpkin Seafood Thick Broth, Braised Ma Po Tofu Sze Chuan-style, Sautéed Kurobuta Pork with Garlic Sauce, Chilled Mango Sago Pomelo, and Chilled Lemongrass Jelly with Aloe Vera to name just a few.

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Chilled Lemongrass Jelly with Aloe Vera 4/5

Available every Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays, this Exquisite Weekend Dim Sum Brunch is priced at $68 per adult and $48 per child (with a minimum of two adults per table). It offers two seating options from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm and 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm. For those looking to elevate their experience, a $35 top-up grants unlimited pours of Le Contesse Prosecco Spumante DOC Treviso Brut, adding a touch of effervescent luxury to an already exceptional brunch affair.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Ya Ge (雅阁)
Orchid Hotel
1 Tras Link
Level 3
Singapore 078867
Tel: +65 68186831
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight towards Orchid Hotel. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, July 22, 2023

15 Stamford by Alvin Leung @ The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore - Unveils New Tropical Sunday Champagne Brunch

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15 Stamford by Alvin Leung at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore announces the launch of their brand new Tropical Sunday Champagne Brunch. Held every Sunday, the brunch experience presents a buzzing atmosphere with live entertainment, thematic cocktails, and a wide variety of live stations serving modern Asian classics and mouth-watering grilled meats and seafood.

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A highlight of any buffet spread is the cold seafood section. At 15 Stamford by Alvin Leung, guests have the luxury of feasting on the freshest Baby Lobsters, Tiger Prawns, Crayfish, Blue Mussels, Little Neck Clams and Seasonal Oysters, paired with unique condiment choices such as Thai assam vinaigrette, yuzu ponzu, cilantro and lime emulsion.

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Sashimi lovers are in for a treat as they can indulge in a selection of the highest quality grade sashimi. The spread features tantalising options such as Tuna Akami, Hiramasa Kingfish, and Norwegian Salmon. Each piece of sashimi is a testament to the freshness and impeccable quality of the ingredients.

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Various finest artisanal cuts grace the Charcuterie and Cured Fish Station. These include Beef Bresaola, Mortadella Bologna Pistachio and Jamón Ibérico De Bellota. Guests can also savour Hot Smoked Salmon and Smoked Haddock, both served with side options such as horseradish cream, Lilliput capers, marinated olives, and anchovies.

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Save room for dishes from the Pasta & Noodles section. Make your own pasta with a choice of capellini, fettuccine or macaroni, to be cooked a la minute in sauces such as the luscious aged cheddar cheese sauce, Asian aglio olio with a mild spicy kick, classic basil pesto, decadent black truffle cream, and the fusion yellow curry cream. 15 Stamford's Signature Laksa will also be available in the noodles section for a bowl of rich, slurping goodness.

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15 Stamford by Alvin Leung caters to a diverse range of taste preferences with its selection of local Asian delights. The inclusion of dishes like Sweet and Sour Prawns, Stir Fried Baby Kailan, Black Pepper Chicken, and a variety of dim sum items such as Siew Mai, Har Gow, and Chicken Char Siew Pau adds a delightful touch to the buffet spread.

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The Tropical Sunday brunch would not be complete without Grill Carving and Rotisserie Spit Roast sections. Guests can look forward to succulent meats and seafood chargrilled to perfection. Pile your plates high with the Rotisserie Chicken, Hokkaido Pork Belly Char Siew, Angus Beef Rump Cap, Angus Beef Flank, and Angus Beef Ribeye freshly carved from the grill alongside spit-roasted Wild Red Snapper, Honey Glazed Ham, and Pasture Fed Lamb Leg. Amplify the flavours of the fork-tender meat with an array of sauces: adobo butter sauce, wood-smoked barbeque sauce, Asian chimichurri, Sarawak black pepper sauce, mentaiko hollandaise, and cilantro olive.

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Round off the brunch on a sweet note with a selection of desserts. Guests can choose between three ice cream flavours: Chocolate Fudge, Thai Coconut, and Calamansi. There is also a Chocolate Fondue with roasted almonds, Valrhona chocolate balls, and seasonal fruits for dipping.

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Not to be missed are the meticulously crafted treats such as Yuzu Meringue, Matcha Financier, Lemon Purple Velvet Mousse Cake, Pandan Fudge Cake, Assorted Macarons, and Peranakan Kueh.

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Happening every Sunday, 15 Stamford by Alvin Leung's Tropical Sunday Brunch starts at $188++ with free-flowing cocktails, wines, beer, and Telmont Reservé Brut Champagne Brut; $218++ for Telmont Rosé Champagne; $248++ for a Billecart Rosé; or $268++ for Billecart Blanc de Blancs.

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For booking enquiries, please contact +65 6715 6871 or email reservation.15stamford@kempinski.com. For more information, visit www.kempinski.com/singapore or follow them on Instagram for updates.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


15 Stamford by Alvin Leung
The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
15 Stamford Road
Singapore 178906
Tel: +65 6715 6871
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10.30pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A or D. Walk to traffic junction North Bridge Road and Stamford Road. Cross the road. Walk down Stamford Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, July 2, 2023

Allô @ Jalan Besar - Indulge In French Cuisine For A Chic Brunch Or Cosy Dinner In Modern Shophouse

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The newly opened French restaurant Allô sits along one of the many lanes of shophouses in Jalan Besar. It may seem to be quite an unexpected location at first. Still, the restaurant has done its interior in a chic yet cosy fashion, which makes it suitable for various occasions. When we came by for dinner, there were several groups of diners celebrating Father's Day.

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Dinner aside, Allô also offers both brunch and value-for-money lunch sets. The Brunch menu is available on weekdays from 11am to 3pm and all day on weekends, offering classic brunch options such as Eggs Benedict ($23) and elevated dishes like Rosti, Eggs & Minute Steak ($32).

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The Lunch Sets, on the other hand, are priced affordably from $15.90 onwards. Available from Tuesdays to Fridays, 11am to 3pm, the three-course weekday set lunch includes a choice of starter, a pasta main and a dessert.

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Beverages

The restaurant offers various alcohols: beers, house pours, reds, whites, dessert wines and champagnes. We opted for non-alcoholic beverages of Sparkling Apple ($6) and Citrus Blue Magic ($7.50). The former is made with sparkling water infused with 100% apple juice, while the latter has blue pea flower tea, yoghurt drink and citrus juice.

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Salmon Rillette 3.5/5

Our starter of Salmon Rillette ($18) features a rillette made of cured salmon slow-cooked in butter, served with capers, a petit salad and a side of sweet potato chips. My dining companion and I were quite disappointed with this as the rillette was mostly overpowered with a sharp sourness and masked any flavour of the salmon. The sweet potato chips lacked crispness as well.

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Lobster Bisque 4.5/5

Thankfully, the next dish fared much better. This Lobster Bisque ($18) was also one of our two favourites of the night. Made in-house from freshly caught lobsters, the bisque turned out luscious and creamy but not overly thick. It was bursting with seafood sweetness and had just the right amount of savoury notes.

My dining companion and I enjoyed this very much and mopped it up quickly with the bread from the complimentary bread basket. I did wish there were bits of lobster meat in it for extra texture, though!


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Saucisson Croquettes 3.8/5

The homemade Saucisson Croquettes ($12) came in a portion of three, served with a tangy peanut butter dressing with a touch of heat. We appreciated the crunchy exterior and creamy filling; otherwise, it was average. We also hoped to have a better bite of the saucisson bits in it.

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Duck Confit with Pomme Purée & Orange Balsamic Glaze 4/5

Next, we were served our first main, the Duck Confit with Pomme Puree & Orange Balsamic Glaze ($30). The dish uses a whole duck leg roasted in its own fat, served with a side of purée and asparagus.

While I enjoyed the tangy-sweet orange balsamic glaze and the slight crispiness on the duck skin, the duck meat was not as fork-tender as I expected. The meat could be better tenderised, and the mash could be more buttery.


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Lobster Risotto 4.5/5

Then came our second favourite of the night, the Lobster Risotto ($32). It was hands down one of the best risotto we have had in a while. The rich lobster stock base had an impressive amount of crustacean sweetness brimming through and was nicely finished with cream to achieve that lip-smacking consistency. The arborio rice was perfectly cooked to a lovely creaminess and further topped with chunks of tender butter-poached lobster meat.

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Valrhona Dark Chocolate Feuillantine Cake 4/5

We ended our dinner on a sweet note with the Valrhona Dark Chocolate Feuillantine Cake ($15). Made of dark chocolate covertures on a base of feuillantine and crumbles, the chocolate portion was rich without being cloying. The accompanying scoop of yoghurt gelato gave a refreshing and tangy touch.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Allô
72 Desker Road
Singapore 209595
Tel: +65 88979230
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Nearest MRT: Jalan Besar (DT Line), Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Jalan Besar MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight down Jalan Besar Road to Desker Road. Turn left onto Desker Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to Roberts Lane. Turn left onto Roberts Lane, walk to Serangoon Road. Cross the road and walk down Desker Road. Walk down Desker Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]