Da Paolo Gastronomia @ Great World - Latest Addition Centred On An Expanded All-Day Dining And Retail Offering Within An Immersive Setting

Da Paolo Gastronomia at Great World is the latest and the eighth gastronomia concept of the group. The concept offers all-day dining and a full retail selection. Customers at the new outlet can dine, purchase a takeaway or shop for pantry essentials.

Balanced Bowl 4/5

From the Greens and Grains section, customers can customise their bowl from a selection of grains, proteins and vegetables. There is plenty of plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free option to choose from too. A Balanced Bowl ($13.90) comes with two grains & bases, one protein, two vegetables and one dollop. For the meat-lover, the Protein Plus Bowl ($16) comes with an extra protein selection. My balanced bowl comprises summer barley salad, Moroccan Chicken Thigh, Shredded Brussels Sprouts, Turnip & Cranberry Salad, Kale, Broccoli Stems & Beetroot Salad and Vegan Chickpea Hummus.

Salami & Sundried Tomatoes Panini 4.8/5

A must-have is the hearty Salami & Sundried Tomatoes Panini ($18). The freshly baked focaccia is generously packed with salami, sundried tomato mayonnaise, caramelised onions and provolone. It is also grilled to a delightful crisp. The customer has a choice of fries, salad or truffle fries for the accompanying side.

Rucola e Crudo 4.2/5

From the pizza bar, we tried the Rucola e Crudo ($28). The freshly stone-baked Roman thin crust pizza is topped with 24-month old Parma ham, locally grown rocket leaves, shaved parmesan and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil

Spaghettone Carbonara Calabrese 4.5/5

The Spaghettone Carbonara Calabrese ($25) may look simple, but it is packed with flavours. The al dente spaghetti is buried in a pool of spicy Calabrian pork salami (Nduja) cream-based sauce, topped with grated pecorino.

Gelato 4/5

For dessert, customers can go for the house churned Gelato made freshly daily. We had the pistachio, salted caramel and dark chocolate. The flavours are not really exciting but classic. They are rich, dense and creamy. 

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Da Paolo Gastronomia
Great World
1 Kim Seng Promenade
#01-163
Singapore 237994
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Birds Of A Feather @ Amoy Street - Contemporary Western Cuisine With Sichuan Influence Amid A Paradise Of Greenery

The legendary sun birds of Chengdu has flown onto our shore and set up their nest at Amoy Street. Birds Of A Feather is a new all day dining, cafe and bar concept in the conservation shophouses on Amoy Street. The new establishment offers contemporary Western cuisine with a pronounced Sichuan influence. The people behind it are from Chengdu who owns the Good Wood Cafe, a successful cafe chain across Chengdu.

Fried Calamari with Yuzu Tartar Sauce 4.2/5

Mentioned earlier, Birds Of A Feather is a 3 in 1 dining concept. For those planning to have a drink or two at the bar, there are around 9 items from the small plate menu which go well with the drinks. A popular bar bites is the Fried Calamari ($19). Over here, the bouncy texture of the squid is dressed in a light coat of crispy batter. It is then sprinkled with Sichuan spices for an elevated enjoyment.

Crispy Pork Trotter in a Bag 4/5

Something new to the table is the Crispy Pork Trotter in a Bag ($12). Like shaker fries, the special Sichuan spice is poured into the bag and given a good shake to coat the succulent and crispy deep fried pork trotter. A little bit salty with a little tinge of spiciness, this is perfect to go with a glass of beer.

Find the Chicken in The Chillies 4.8/5

Did you manage to Find the Chicken in The Chillies ($16)? Crispy, succulent and super spicy. It has all the elements that made me love this staple Sichuan dish. This is definitely one of the best I have eaten in Singapore.

Fortune Skewer in Szechuan Pepper Broth 3/5

Japanese Arrowroot Noodle 3.5/5

The Fortune Skewer in Szechuan Pepper Broth ($19) is like lucky dip. You never know what ingredient is at the end of the skewer until you pull it out from the mala broth. I managed to get quail egg, potato, lotus root and black fungus. You can even choose to add some silky smooth Japanese Arrowroot Noodle ($5) to make it a meal itself.

Roasted Chicken  & Avocado Salad with Szechuan Pepper 3.8/5

At Birds Of A Feather, not everything is spicy. It also have your usual western fare but maybe with a little twist. The Roasted Chicken  & Avocado Salad with Szechuan Pepper ($20) is one of the non spicy items on the menu. It comes on a bed of mixed greens and dressed in lemon juice.

Charcoal Roasted Romaine Lettuce 3/5

Another non spicy item on the menu is the Charcoal Roasted Romaine Lettuce ($16) dressed in sesame sauce. I didn't know that charred romaine lettuce can taste that good. I found the fried tofu cheese ball somewhat familiar until someone on the table reminded me it tasted like fish finger.

Grilled Cheese Panini 4.2/5

The Grilled Cheese Panini ($20) is an Asian twist with Sichuan influence. Sandwiched in between the toasted bread is braised pork belly, pickled cabbage and fried potato. An delectable combination that will be well received by the customers.

Oriental Bolognaise 4.5/5

As the name suggests, the Oriental Bolognaise ($20) is an Asian inspired pasta dish. It has both the non spicy and spicy version. Add $2 for the spicy version. The angel hair pasta comes with pork ragout, onsen tamago, wilted kale and sakura ebi. It felt like having a bowl of zha jiang mian in a slurping good way.

Tofu Burger with Mapo Meat Sauce 4/5

The Tofu Burger with Mapo Meat Sauce ($22) is made up of homemade Chinese bun with tofu cheese patty, mapo pork ragout, pickled cucumber in between. Diners also have a choice of fried potato or greens for the side. The interpretation of the classic hamburger if not on par, is as good as many burger joints out there, giving a fresh twist to the tradition.

Hot & Sour Chazuke 4.8/5

Only available on the diner menu is the Hot & Sour Chazuke ($28). This is one of my favourite dishes. A spicy pickled mustard green broth is poured into the bowl of Niigata rice with charcoal grilled barramundi and mentaiko. Mixed them together and eat it like a porridge. The salt and spicy broth is the star of the dish, bringing all the elements together for a hearty and comforting enjoyment.

Raspberry Granite 3.8/5

Moving on to the dessert, the Raspberry Granite ($16) caught my attention for the moist and fluffy earl grey chiffon. The dessert is further accompanied with milk chocolate foam, yuzu curd and almond nougatine for a contrasting finishing in taste and texture.

Poached Pear 4/5

A traditional hot Chinese dessert, the Poached Pear ($12) is given a cold treatment with a scoop of orange caramel ice cream. The softness of the poached pear with citrus, ginger, longan and snow fungus worked harmoniously for a refreshing and cooling enjoyment.

Glutinous Rice Cake 4.2/5

You probably can't find the Glutinous Rice Cake ($12) elsewhere in Singapore. The deep fried glutinous rice cake is drizzled with Okinawan black sugar syrup and topped with peanut. in my own layman term, it felt like eating peanut candy.

Feather Cheese Cake 4/5

For cafe hoppers, this is definitely a beautiful place with natural lighting to take great photos. For the not so hungry stomach, there are pastries, cakes and coffee. Immersed in the lush, relaxing and feel good atmosphere while sipping your cup of aromatic coffee, lazing the day away.

Stepping into Birds Of A Feather, my first impression was wow. The beautiful decor of the restaurant has set a new benchmark for the local scene. Initially, I was sceptical about the concept but after experiencing it myself, I think it will be a hit.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Birds Of A Feather
113 Amoy Street
Singapore 069935
Tel: +65 62217449
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line). Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Wed: 10am - 11pm
Thu-Sat: 10am - 12midnight
Sun: 10am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street towards Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2)  Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Follow the covered walkway to the junction of Mccallum Street, Telok Ayer and Amoy Street. Turn left at the junction onto Amoy Street. Continue on Amoy Street to the end of the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Saladworks @ JEM

I remembered when I was trying to eat healthy back then, the most difficult part is actually the accessibility to eatery offering healthy food. Sad to say there are not many such healthy outlets in Singapore. However I am also seeing a growing trend of such outlets springing out at different corners of Singapore such as The Lawn, Sumo Salad and SaladStop. One such eateries is Saladworks at JEM. Saladworks is the first and largest fresh salad franchise in the US. Saladworks at JEM is the first outlet outside the States. Fresh, made to order salad and designed to be under 500 calories, this is a healthy heaven.

Autumn Harvest with Avocado Dressing 3.5/5

A healthy kick start to the meal is the Autumn Harvest Salad with Avocado Dressing ($11.50). Fresh greens of romanine and iceberg paired with a mix of turkey ham, craisins, grilled corn, carrots, sunflower seeds and apple slices. The house made avocado dressing was creamy and sweet giving the greens a good boost in flavours.

Turkey Melt Panini 4/5

If you need your carbo, then you should not miss the toasty Turkey Melt Panini ($10.50). Sandwiched with sliced turkey, bacon, cheddar cheese with rustic thousand island dressing. Patron has a choice of either sourdough or focaccia bread. A very flavourful combination.

Fire Roasted Cabo Jack Wrap 4.5/5

For a delightful bite, a must try at Saladworks is the Fire Roasted Cabo Jack Wrap ($9.90). This wrap totally won me over with its special mix of creamy sesame sauce and vinaigrette. I actually raised an eyebrow when I tasted the sauce. Isn't it a US salad franchise chain? Why is their a sesame in the sauce? A check with the owner explained that he created the sauce himself to suit the local palate.

Chicken Carvery Sandwich  3.5/5

Many people has the misconception that eating healthy means that you won't be full. Well it actually not true. For a meal that is more substantial, one can try the Chicken Carvery Sandwich ($14.70) that comes with either BBQ Chicken/Lemon Chicken, grilled red peppers, spicy mustard and mayo sandwiched between ciabatta bread. It also comes with either a choice of rice or salad on the side.

Chef Signature Salad 3.8/5

For those that needs protein in their meal, you can satisfy your need at Saladworks too. They offer a choices of chicken, salmon and beef in their menu. In my visit, I tried the Chef Signature Salad ($15.90) that is served with a beef steak on a bed of salad. While I enjoyed the beef steak, the salad was a bit soggy with the over drenched sauce. The salad also came with a lot of onions which was a bit overpowering for me as I am not a big fan of them.

Healthy eating does not mean it has to be boring and tasteless. The different offering at Saladworks will not only ensure one has a a healthy diet but also leave one feeling satisfied and content. I am glad that I have another option to go to for a good healthy meal.


Saladworks
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road
#02-19
Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 67346504
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Saladworks.SG
Website: http://www.saladworks.com.sg
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (NS Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1030am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Black & White Caffebar @ Beach Road

A cafe that specializes in Panini? That is something for a different that is worthy for me to make my trip down to Black & White Caffebar at The Plaza Beach Road behind Parkroyal Hotel on Beach Road. The black and white themed caffebar may be difficult for some to locate but I have no issue since I am pretty familiar with place.

Latte 4/5

A pretty decent cup of Latte ($4/$4.50) using the beans from local roaster Highlander. The coffee has a nice bittersweet body and not to acidic.

Tomato Soup 3.5/5

A very tasty and comforting bowl of Tomato Soup ($6) to whet up my appetite.

Roast Beef Panini 4.2/5

The caffebar used ciabatta bread sourced from a local Italian restaurant. The panini was given a slight toast to give it an extra crispy bite on top of its light and spongy texture. The Roast Beef Panini ($11.80) is sandwiched with beef tenderloin, avocado, tomato relish, cheese and lettuce. The combination may looked simple but was packed with flavours with each bite. The homemade BBQ sauce also helps to lift the flavour further.

Herb Grilled Chicken 4/5

Another popular panini at the caffebar is the Herb Grilled Chicken Panini ($8.50) with zucchini, tomato, avocado and red onions. Paired with the homemade mayonnaise sauce, this is another flavourful combination with the top notch ciabatta bread. I started to appreciate the owner's choice of ciabatta bread to work with her homemade sauce and the simplicity of ingredients.

Wild Mushroom Panini 3.8/5

For vegetarian, there is the Wild Mushroom Panini ($7.20) melted with delectable cheese. While it was bursting with flavours, it felt that the servicing lacked substance compared to the other two panini that is packed with ingredients.

Mushroom Pasta 3/5

As the caffebar does not have a full fledged kitchen, most of the cooked stuff has to depend on Chef M (microwave). The Mushroom Pasta ($9.80) was cheesy and flavourful but could not blame on the soft penne texture as it is not freshly cooked.

Sweet Nibbles 3.5/5

The caffebar also offers a selection of Sweet Nibbles sourced from suppliers such as the carrot cakes and brownie. Pretty decent selection if you are not going for something that is too full.

While Black & White Caffebar may not be the most hipster place with fancy decoration, the panini with its ciabatta bread is probably the best I ever eaten. No wonder during our visit, a customer claims that the caffebar has the best sandwich. It is quite sad that the delicious panini has been under the radar. Hopefully the caffebar can come up with some wild and funky creation that will captivate both the diners' in presentation and taste.


Black & White Caffebar
Parkroyal on Beach Road
The Plaza
7500A Beach Road
#B1-305
Singapore 199591
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackWhiteCaffebar
Website: http://www.bwcaffebar.com/index.html
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 8pm
Sat: 9am - 3pm
(Closed on Sun & PH)

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the overhead walkway all the way to The Concourse building. Take the exit down to Nicoll Highway and walk towards Parkroyal Serviced Residences. Cut through towards The Plaza at Parkroyal Hotel. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Cozy Corner Coffee @ Everton Park

The enclave of Everton Park has been filling up with the aroma of coffee with many cafes setting up at the different pockets of the small housing estate. After making a round checking out the different spots at the estate, we decided to park ourselves at the Cozy Corner Coffee. Partly is also because this is the least crowded cafe among the others in the area.

Latte 4.2/5

Nowadays a lot of cafes are so popular that it has become kind of too crowded and noisy to really have the own time to enjoy a read while sipping a cup of coffee. Cozy Corner Coffee has managed to escape the radar and I was able to have some relaxing time over a cup of Latte ($4.50/$5.50). I was very impressed with the latte art more so that it was made by a Chinese lady probably in her 40s.. Most barista are usually quite young so I was quite curious in the mismatch outfit of a cafe and a auntie making my coffee.

Latte 4.2/5

Striking up a conversation with the lady Barista, I realised she is the owner of the cafe. It was her passion for a good cup of brew that she opened the cafe. She self thought herself the latte art spending thousands of dollar perfecting it, trying out different types of beans and milk. She was so knowledgeable and even can tell me the preferred taste of her customers. I could sensed the enthusiasm in her when we talked about coffee. I admired her spirit and dedication in learning something new especially at her age.

Pesto Chicken Paninis 3/5

Moving on to the food, the menu is not huge but this is quite expected for a cafe. I tried the Pesto Chicken Paninis ($7.80) which was decent but not fantastic.

Beef Spaghetti Bolognese 2.8/5

I could tell the Beef Spaghetti Bolognese ($7.80) was prepared by Chef Microwave. Eatable but also forgettable.

Waffle with Banana 4/5

The Waffles with Banana ($4.80) was way much better. It was crispy, buttery and fluffy. We did not go for the additional scoop of ice cream which costs an additional $1.20

There is also a featured graffiti wall drawn by a Lasalle student. This is the best part of the cafe that I like. Rounding up my experience at the Cozy Corner Coffee, I think the cafe should improve on the food. Maybe they should consider selling more pastries, cakes, tarts or cupcakes which is quite popular with the younger crowd and this goes well with coffee or tea.


Cozy Corner Coffee
Blk 4 Everton Park
Singapore 080004
Tel: +65 93830485
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cccoffee
Website: http://cozycornercoffee.com/
Nearest MRT: Outram (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 830am - 730pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Cantonment Road towards the direction of Pinnacle. At the junction of Cantonment Road and Neil Road, cross the junction walk to towards the block of flats. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]