Tiong Bahru Bakery @ JEM - Well-loved Tiong Bahru Bakery Opens First Branch in the West

Tiong Bahru Bakery (TBB) has been steadily growing and expanding since its founding in Tiong Bahru. Recently, they opened their 17th outlet and are making their debut in the West by spreading a new branch in JEM at Jurong East.

The warmly decorated 60-seater space is conveniently located next to the mall's taxi stand and is a short walk from Jurong East MRT station. It operates from 7.30am to 10pm daily, making it fit for a drop-in any time of the day - whether you are looking for an early breakfast, a hearty brunch, or a dessert spot after dinner.

It continues offering its classic bakes, pastries and desserts alongside freshly brewed coffee, tea and juices to complete the meal.

Brie & Roasted Mushroom Croissant 4.5/5

We quickly demolished the savoury Brie & Roasted Mushroom Croissant ($12.60). The flaky croissant was filled with rocket leaves, earthy sautéed mushrooms, onions and generously portioned brie. I particularly appreciated how the base of the croissant remained delightfully crisp.

Tartine Set 4.2/5

The Tartine Set is a returning favourite, and fans would be happy to hear that this is now officially available at all outlets. Comprising slices of TBB's signature sourdough served with Le Beurre Bordier butter, La Trinquelinette jam, and a beverage of choice. It makes for the perfect choice as a substantial snack or light meal.

Chocolate Kouign Amann 4/5

Apart from the original Kouign Amann ($5.50), check out the Chocolate Kouign Amann ($6.70) studded with bits of chocolate within the swirls.

Quiche Lorraine with Salad 3.8/5

We tried another item from the savoury menu, the Quiche Lorraine with Salad ($13.70). I appreciated how the palm-sized quiche was nicely served warm, but I didn't find it as value for money compared to the other items. The taste was average, and the quiche was eggy, with bits of bacon within.

Hot Chocolate 4/5

There's an extensive choice of beverages, from coffees to teas, bottled juices, kombucha and non-caffeinated options. The Hot Chocolate ($6.80) was nice and not too sweet.

Hojicha Latte 3.8/5

Similarly done less sweet, the Hojicha Latte ($8.50) leaned a lot more milky than I would prefer.

Exotic Cheesecake 3.8/5

The Exotic Cheesecake ($9.50) was much lighter in its cheese notes than I expected. It had a coconut sponge paired with lime and vanilla cream cheese mousse, a mango, passion fruit and yuzu filling, topped with coconut and lime chantilly on a coconut crumble.

Chocolate Tart 4.2/5

Try TBB's Chocolate Tart ($8.70) if you are here for a sweet treat. Although it has chocolate from top to bottom, it's layered nicely with drops of caramel to finish.

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.


Tiong Bahru Bakery
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road
#01-34/35
Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 6877 4812
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Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 10pm

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

Bar Intermezzo @ Orchard Hotel Singapore - High-Tea Semi Buffet With Free-Flow Dessert Bar

Bar Intermezzo at Orchard Hotel Singapore presents a High Tea Semi-Buffet with a free-flow dessert bar and a complimentary glass of Prosecco per person.

What I like about this semi-buffet is that there are three tiers of cold and hot savouries instead of the usual 1 or 2 tiers, which are enough to fill me up before I move on to the dessert bar. Freshly baked scones are also served with free-flow of coffee and tea.

Crab Cake with Saffron Aioli, Unagi Kabayaki Quiche

Prawn Vol-au-Vents, Gammon Ham and Truffle Cheese, Hokkaido Scallop Crudo

The variety of savouries offered is wholesome and hearty, even though they may be dainty in size. In particular, I enjoyed the Crab Cake with Saffron Aioli and Gammon Ham and Truffle Cheese from the hot selection. The latter was delectable, with a rich and creamy mouthfeel from the melted cheese, a classic combination done right. Both were perfect with my glass of prosecco.

Truffle Egg Sandwich, Black Angus Beef Tartar, Gravlax Salmon Sandwich

From the cold selection, Black Angus Beef Tartar stood out with an interesting combination of chocolate tart and beef, enlivened with a slice of gooseberry. The bitter-sweet notes from the chocolate tart went really well with the meat. Gravlax Salmon Sandwich was equally scrumptious with a luscious slice of Gravlax salmon.

Durian Chocolates

Jivara Tart

Praline Chocolate (with Alcohol)

The dessert bar offers a variety of small sweet bites, and my favourites are the chocolate items such as Praline Chocolate (with Alcohol) that literally bursts with alcohol and Jivara Tart. The Durian Chocolate made with creamy durian mouse with dark chocolate was also surprisingly delightful.

There's also a Valrhona Chocolate Fondue. Not as rich as I would like it to be, but decent enough.

Yuzu Tart

Macarons

Other sweet selections include tangy Yuzu Tarts and a variety of Macarons.

Bar Intermezzo's High Tea Semi-Buffet is available on Saturdays and Sundays, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM at $50 per pax (min. 2 pax to serve). For reservations: Tel 6739 6668 or Email intermezzobar.ohs@millenniumhotels.com

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.


Bar Intermezzo
Lobby
442 Orchard Road
Singapore 238879
Tel: +65 67396668
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to Wheelock Place. Walk to traffic junction of Orchard Road and Angullia Park. Cross the road to Royal Thai Embassy. Turn left and continue down Orchard Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Beach Road Kitchen @ JW Marriott Singapore South Beach - The Art Of Afternoon Tea in Collaboration with Nespresso

In celebration of Earth Day on 22 April 2022, Beach Road Kitchen at JW Marriott Singapore South Beach has collaborated with Nespresso to launch The Art of Afternoon Tea ($40++ per person). Guests will find Nespresso-centric savoury treats and coffee-infused sweets. The Afternoon Tea is available every Saturday and Sunday 3.30 pm-5.30 pm for April and May 2022.

Before diving right into the main course, enjoy their warm entree of Lobster Bisque and Quiche Lorraine, included in the afternoon tea set.

Indulge in coffee infusion treats such as the Chocolate "Origin Brazil" Duck Rillettes and Foie Gras "Origin Peru Organic" Tart for savouries.

The local favourite kaya toast inspires the Truffle Kaya "Guatemala" Toast. The coffee's elegant bitterness balances the sweetness from the kaya spread.

Another of my favourite is the Lobster Tartare with a crispy charcoal shell and the Salmon Tartare with pesto cone.

The sweets selection was both a visual and sensory pleasure. My favourites include the Vanilla "Origin Guatemala" Coffee Caramel Tart, Latte "Peru Organic" Gateau, and Origin Peru Organic Coffee Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse. The melt in the mouth Origin Peru Organic Coffee Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse stood out for its luscious creaminess, neither too sweet nor bitter.

Coffee-infused sweets include the Raspberry Coffee Praline, which is punchy and robust in its fruity aroma without overpowering the coffee's bittersweet notes.

Take a break from the caffeine loaded treats with the Pistachio Strawberry Swiss Roll and Lemon Almond Gateau, which are equally delicious.

Enjoy the quintessential Scones in plain and tomato flavours, served with clotted cream, lemon curd, and raspberry rose jam. However, we found the scones a tad dry and lacking in the buttery taste.

End the afternoon tea on an even sweeter note with their Softserve Ice Cream with berries. We had the yoghurt flavour, which is superbly creamy and has a nice tangy-sweet flavour.

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.


Beach Road Kitchen
JW Marriott Singapore South Beach
30 Beach Road
Singapore 189763
Tel: +65 68181913
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Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

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

The Lobby Lounge @ InterContinental Singapore - Journey Through A Baking Odyssey With Classic Afternoon Tea: Origins

InterContinental Singapore’s Executive Pastry Chef Ben Goh was recently awarded by World Gourmet Summit as the Pastry Chef of The Year 2019. In celebration of his recent accolade, diners get to indulge in the new Classic Afternoon Tea: Origins at The Lobby Lounge available from 1 August to 31 October 2019.

Inspired by Chef Ben’s humble beginnings and his love of sweets, each treat in this afternoon tea presentation tells a story of his foray into culinary arts, documenting key milestones in the illustrious chef’s career.

We were treated to a beautiful multi-tiered stand which showcases a gorgeous array of desserts that represents Chef Ben’s pastry endeavours. Starting from the Kueh Lapis - first cake baked with his grandma in preparation for Chinese New Year to the desserts which helped him clinched his first championship winning at overseas competitions.

Highlights include the Apple Ginger Chocolate Praline, which helped Chef Ben Goh clinched his winning at his first overseas competition at Food & Hotel Malaysia in 2009. Also the Peach Melba Cheesecake, which helped him clinch his first International Championship in 2013 (World Dubai Hospitality Championship 2013). We loved the subtle sweet peach aroma which complemented the light creamy cheesecake perfectly.

Another favourite is the Chocolate Lemongrass Pineapple Cake which won him his first Japan Podium at Japan Cake Show in 2015. Covered in rich chocolate decadence and a tinge of lemongrass aroma, this exquisite creation by Chef Ben hit all the right notes with its texture and flavours.

Take a trip down memory lane with the authentic Buttercream Cake, reminiscent of his childhood. Simple as it looks, but every bit as delicious with its soft fluffy texture and complimenting cream which adds a subtle sweetness and moisture to the cake.

Guests with a penchant for savoury delights will also enjoy treats such as Bacon Onion Quiche, Wild Mushroom Cappuccino with White Truffle Cream, and Smoked Chicken, Chicken Floss and Coleslaw on Charcoal Bun.

A favourite would be the Crabmeat Mantou, with a juicy piece of crab meat on creamy avocado and a touch of caviar. Complete with a crispy piece of mantou to add a crunch to the savoury treat.

Not forgetting the all-time favourite Cranberry Lemon Scones and English Scones with strawberry jam, fig jam and clotted cream.

Further elevate your indulgent afternoon experience with a flute of Taittinger Brut Champagne, with unlimited servings of ice cream such as the Yoghurt Yuzu ice cream and Strawberry Sherbet, which came in second runner up at Mondial Des Arts Sucrés 2018. We loved the smooth creaminess of the ice cream, filled with a refreshing tanginess from the yuzu and strawberry, which makes for the perfect end to the delectable classic afternoon tea treat.

Classic Afternoon Tea: Origins is available at The Lobby Lounge from 1 August to 31 October 2019, from 2pm to 5pm daily. The set is priced at S$78* for two guests, inclusive of a fine selection of loose-leaf teas and coffee; and at S$108* for two guests, inclusive of two flutes of Taittinger Brut Champagne, and a fine selection of loose-leaf teas and coffee.

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.


The Lobby Lounge
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 2pm - 5pm

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

The Lobby Lounge @ Intercontinental Singapore - Launches A Chocolatey Afternoon Tea Experience This Festive Season

This festive season, The Lobby Lounge introduces their new Classic Afternoon Tea: Checkmate available from 1 November 2018 to 31 January 2019. Gaining inspiration from the classic board game of chess, the luxurious afternoon tea set consists of 6 chocolate-based chess pieces set atop a chess board - an ingenious creation by Intercontinental Singapore's pastry chef Ben Goh in collaboration with world-renowned premium chocolate manufacturer Valrhona's Master Pastry Chef Brice Konan-Ferrand.

"The King" features whipped valrhona orelys blond chocolate ganache, pear confit abd cinnamon sponge. "The Pawn" features a valrhona almond inspiration ganache, sweet caramel panna cotta and apricot compote. "The Bishop" is a valrhona kidavoa chocolate mousse, with lime cremeux and pistachio glaze. Each of these exquisite pieces are crafted by Pastry Chef Ben Goh, with an excellent execution of presentation and flavours in each.

Crafted by Varlhona Master Pastry Chef Brice Konan-Ferrand, the other 3 delicate pieces are nothing short of incredible as well, with each infused with fruity flavours such as passionfruit, raspberry and coconut. "The Queen" features Passionfruit inspiration cremeux, raspberry confit and almond sponge. "The Rook" is a valrhona strawberry inspiration meringe mousse, crushed lemon confit and lemon streusel. "The Knight" comes in a sakanti bali cuvee 68% dark chocolate namelaka, coconut dacquoise, dark chocolate streusel and whipped opalys white chocolate ganache. The subtle sourness from the fruit flavours is a perfect marriage with the bittersweet chocolate, providing a balance in the desserts that is non too cloying to the tastebuds.

The impressive chocolatey experience does not end with the desserts but extend to an even greater variety of savouries served on a 3-tier stand as well. The various savoury items sees an unique incorporation of the chocolate element which surprisingly works well together. Relish in the Salmon gravlax with white chocolate chantilly or the pimento and chive cream cheese wholemeal sandwich with generous lashings of the savoury Xocopili 72% dark chocolate shavings.

The highlight is the foie gras magnum coated witha thin crisp layer of chocolate and almond pieces. With an exterior that resembles the ordinary ice cream dessert, a bite into this unique item reveals a savoury creamy foie gras beneath the bittersweet chocolate coating.

Other savouries include the Crab Tartlet with Wasabi Tobiko and Ikura, Turkey Ham and Chestnut Quiche, as well as the Mushroom and Duck Confit Vol-au-vent.

The special themed high tea is accompanied by a live station as well, where customers are able to enjoy unlimited servings of a la minute crepes paired with Jivara milk chocolate ice cream and guanaja sherbet. Complete an indulgent high tea experience at The Lobby Lounge with a flute of Tattinger Brut Champagne.

Note: Classic Afternoon Tea: Checkmate is available at The Lobby Lounge from 1 November 2018 to 31 January 2019 from 2 to 5pm daily. The set is priced at S$88 for 2 pax, inclusive of a fine selection of loose-leaf teas and coffee, and set at S$138 for 2 pax, inclusive of a half-bottle Tattinger Brut Champagne (375ml) and a fine selection of loose-leaf teas and coffee. For reservations, please visit TheLobbyLounge.sg, email interContinental.Dining@ihg.com or call +65 68251008.

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.


The Lobby Lounge
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 2pm - 5pm

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