Mama Bear Cafe @ Flemington [Melbourne] - Warehouse Style Cafe With Exposed Brick Walls & Whimsical Graffiti Mural

My second trip to Melbourne was nothing but a journey about brunches and coffee. The Coffee Expo was the reason why I was here which gave me the chance to explore the cafes hiding in the suburbs of Melbourne! Something which I have missed in my last visit a few years ago.

Mama Bear Cafe at Flemington is just a few minutes walk from my accommodation. Its menu is quite extensive, offering many of the locals' favourites. Most importantly, it serves great coffees to the entire neighbourhood!

Open Beef Brisket Sandwich 3.5/5

When our Open Beef Brisket Sandwich (AUD$17.50) came, we were rather shocked by the huge serving.At the same time, it did look sinfully indulgent with the mushroom, beef, overflowing cheese sliding off the toast underneath which was way too tiny for anything. Buried in between were caramelised onion and worcestershire pickled cucumber. The brisket was really tender and the field mushroom was just as meaty. Topped with not one but two fried eggs, this is definitely enough for 2 small eaters. Less sauce would have been better though, as the dish is a little too wet and soggy.

Sweet Corn Fritters 3.5/5

I realised that the locals has a thing for Sweet Corn Fritters (AUD$17.50) which is not so common back home. I like how the fritters were being stacked up high into a tower with a tangy avocados cream as the base and comes complete with a poached egg. The sweet corns gives a chewy texture to the fritters and the surrounding vegetables - heirloom tomatoes, ribbon of carrot & zucchini lightened up the dish.

Acai Bowl 4.2/5

This is where I had my very first Acai Bowl (AUD$13.90)! Wow, I must say I do love every bit of it and Mama Bear does it just the say it should be done. It has the crunch from the toasted muesli and chia seeds, the mellow aroma of the coconut, the balance in taste with the combination of the acai, the tart berries and freeze-dried orange.

Belgium Waffles 2.8/5

We also had one of their special - Belgium Waffles with ham, bacon, banana, ice cream, fresh berries dressed with honey. Again, the portion was generous. There was enough sweet and savoury component in every bite. The grilled banana was a little disappointing as it was just too shrivelled.

Tumeric Latte 3/5

Colourful lattes is one of their signatures, with variants such as beetroots, tumeric. Tumeric Latte is quite a popular spice here, perhaps of its healing properties. It comes in a 5oz cup. Taste is slightly too mild for me.

I love the feel of this place. Its friendly and unpretentious service, a small cafe with just about everything to provide what the community needs to get their daily fuel.

Words and photos 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.


Mama Bear Cafe
528/531 Racecourse Road
Flemington VIC 3031
Melbourne, Australia
[Map]
Tel: (03) 93760386
Facebook

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 7am  - 330pm
Sat-Sun: 8am - 330pm

UNA @ One Rochester - A Gastronomic Journey Through Spain

Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city is the lush greenery that surround UNA at One Rochester that is housed in a historic colonial bungalow dating back to the late 1930s and 40s. The Spanish restaurant offers South and North cuisines, marrying the characteristic of the regions for its robust and wholesome flavours.

Gambas Al Ajilo 4.5/5 and Patatas Bravas 3.5/5

From the tapas menu, we started with the Gambas Al Ajilo ($22) and Patatas Bravas ($10). My favourite is the fresh tiger prawns are sauteed in olive oil, white wine, garlic, chilli and parsley. Love the party of flavours which is kind of complex but yet beautiful firework to the palate.

Fideua De Calamares 4/5

The Fideua De Calamares ($20) serves in a pan, comes with squid ink Spanish noodles and crispy calamari. This is my first time having it and I find that it resembles our local Chao Ta Bee Hoon with its crispy exterior and soft interior.

Pulpo A La Parilla Con Papas Arrugadas Y Mojo 3.8/5

Don't be overwhelmed by the lengthy name of the dish. Pulpo A La Parilla Con Papas Arrugadas Y Mojo ($32) simply means grilled octopus with potatoes and coriander sauce. From what I understand from the kitchen, the octopus came from Spain and it is slow cooked in water with onions for around 65 minutes. I enjoyed how the slightly sweet and sharp sherry vinegar sauce complemented the smokey flavour of the grilled octopus. Unfortunately the texture was a bit chewy for me.

Coca De Higos Y Foie Con Vermouth 4.2/5

If you like foie gras, you will enjoy the Coca De Higos Y Foie Con Vermouth ($26). The foie gras is paired with grilled figs and sits on a toasted Spanish flatbread. It is then dressed in a vermouth reduction. I enjoyed how the sweetness and crispiness of the flatbread held the creaminess of foie gras together. However I thought the grilled figs was a bit strange in the pairing.

Paella De Chorizo Y Habitas 3.5/5

A staple Spanish dish is the paella and not to be missed is the Paella De Chorizo Y Habitas ($46/$66). The rice is infused with chorizo and saffron which added an extra layer of shine to the flavoursome paella. However I thought the texture of the rice was a bit on the moist side.

Cochinillo Asado 4.2/5

One of my favourite Spanish dishes is the Cochinillo Asado ($36). It is really hard to resist the succulent suckling pig with thin crispy skin. The plate also comes with fresh citrus salad which helps to cut the greasiness.

Pescado A La Parilla 4.2/5

Making a stunning entry is the Pescado A La Parilla ($42). The catch of the day is slow grilled without any marination. Just some simple seasoning to enjoy the natural flavour of the fish. It comes with a bowl of fennel salad on the side too.

Queso Fresco Calabaza Y Membrillo 4/5

For dessert, we started with the Queso Fresco Calabaza Y Membrillo ($14) which is roasted pumpkin ice cream with fresh cream cheese mousse, quince jelly and caramelized walnuts. The roasted pumpkin ice cream is kind of unique, it felt more like a savoury dish. First taste was a bit weird but it slowly grown in me as the palate started to accept the new taste.

Churros Con Chocolate Y Cafe 4.2/5

I am not really a big fan of churro but surprisingly I finished the a whole stick of the Churros Con Chocolate Y Cafe ($14). The crispy deep fried choux pastry is dusted with cinnamon and sugar nad this goes excellent with the dark chocolate sauce nad coffee infused cream.

Noted: This is an invited tasting.


UNA
One Rochester
1 Rochester Park
Singapore 139212
Tel: +65 67730070
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 5pm - 11pm
Sun Brunch: 11am - 3pm (once a month)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to Star Vista. At Rochester Drive turn left. Continue on Rochester Drive to the end of the road. Cross the road and continue on Rochester Park. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

SENS @ Holland Village - Newly Opened Japanese Restaurant Inside A Gourmet Grocer

Located at the basement of the new Raffles @ Holland Village is SENS, a Japanese restaurant within the gourmet grocer TASTE. It offers a wide repertoire of contemporary Japanese cuisine including sashimi, sushi, teppanyaki and omakase. It also boasts one of the largest selections of Japanese craft beers, sake and wines from breweries in different regions of Japan.

Sashimi Moriawase Mix 4/5

Dinner at SENS started with the Sashimi Moriawase Mix ($48.80) which comes with 5 different kinds of sashimi. On the plate, we had maguro, otoro, salmon, hamachi and ebi which is air flown from Japan. In short you can ensure of its freshness.

Aburi Salmon Mentai Roll 4.2/5

For those that does not take raw food, you can go for the Aburi Salmon Mentai Roll ($18.80) topped with mentaiko and roes. Pop one into mouth and enjoy a burst of different flavours and textures coming together.

Miyazaki Wagyu Tataki 4.8/5 and Beef Kaku Ni 4/5

A crowd favouruite was the Miyazaki Wagyu Tataki ($68.80) for both its great flavour and texture. The thinly sliced wagyu is lightly seared on the exterior while the interior is cooked to a beautiful pink. This gives it an extra layer of flavour on top of that flavoursome and juicy beef slices.

The other beef dish we tried is the Beef Kaku Ni ($16.80). The piece of beef literally fell apart as I tried to pick it up with my chopsticks. The melted in the mouth texture and its appetizing rich flavour calls for a bowl of rice to go with it.

Foie Gras Teriyaki 4.2/5

Not really quite Japanese but the menu does offer items such as Foie Gras Teriyaki ($16). I like the fact that the foie gras has a layer of caramelized sweetness that complemented the creaminess

Surume Ika 4/5

From the grill, there is the Surume Ika ($18.80) which is grilled perfectly to a nice bouncy texture coated with a nice caramelized sweetness for an elevated enjoyment.

Kurobuta Rosu Katsu 4.5/5

A worthy try at SENS is the Kurobuta Rosu Katsu ($17.50). The breaded deep fried pork loin has an interesting crispy crumbs on top of the juicy meat which tasted like tempura coating. putting it in another way it is like having the crispy KFC fried chicken except it is pork not chicken.

Niniku Chahan 3/5

If you are still not full, the Niniku Chahan ($8) may able to fill you up. Unfortunately I felt that he garlic fried rice lacked the garlic and wok hei aroma.

Yakitori Set 3/5

Perfect to go with some beer or sake is the Yakitori. We ordered a few different skewers such as chicken wings, meat balls, pork belly and mushroom to try. Maybe the chef wanted to showcase the natural flavour of the ingredients but I felt that a little bit more seasoning would be more enjoyable.

Overall food at SENS is above average. I would definitely go back for the miyazaki wagyu tataki, beef kaku ni, kurobuta rosu katsu, sashimi and sushi.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


SENS
Raffles @ Holland Village
118 Holland Avenue
#B1-12/13
Singapore 278997
Tel: +65 62625618
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Jiu Jiang Shao La (九江烧腊) @ Ghim Moh Food Centre - Crispy Roasted Duck Skin

If you are a regular at Ghim Moh Food Centre, you will know that there is always a long queue at Jiu Jiang Shao La (九江烧腊). Having been to the food centre numerous time, I was always deterred by the long queues. Not sure what got into me in my recent visit and I decided to join the queue to try the roasted meat finally.

Roasted Duck 3.8/5

After queuing for a good half an hour, I decided to order half a Roasted Duck for $16. The roasted has a good charred and crispy skin. The down side of having such a crispy skin is the duck meat is on the dry skin. Hence it is really up to individual preference.

Char Siew 4/5

Besides the roasted duck, I also order some Char Siew to go with the rice. I turned out that I preferred the char siew over the roasted duck. The charred exterior gives the succulent char siew an additional layer of caramelized sweetness.

Overall, the roasted duck at Jiu Jiang Shao La is not bad but definitely not the best I have eaten. I would go back for their char siew instead. A minimum plate of roasted meat starts from $3 and it is quite substantial. Even a plate of mix roasted duck with char siew or roasted pork costs only $3.


Jiu Jiang Shao La
Ghim Moh Food Centre
Blk 20 Ghim Moh Road
#01-17
Singapore 270020
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Walk to bus stop along Buona Vista Road (Stop ID 11361). Take bus no. 92. Alight 1 stops later. Journey time about 3 mins. [Map]

2) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Cross the underpass towards Ghim Moh Estate Blk 12A. Cut across the open air carpark towards Ghim Moh Road. Cross the road and walk towards Blk 20. Journey time about 8 mins. [Map]

The ART @ Assumption Pathway School - Porridge Buffet Every Last Friday Of The Month For Only $12 Nett

The ART (Assumption Restaurant for Training) is not your usual restaurant. Located inside Assumption Pathway School at Cashew Road, the restaurant provides the training ground for the students to put their F&B knowledge and skills into practice. The ART is a casual dining restaurant that offers 3-Course set lunch and High Tea Set on weekdays and during school terms. All prices here are nett.

The ART has recently extended its operating hours on Fridays (during school term) to include dinner. Set dinner will be served for dinner except on the last Friday of each month, where it is replaced with Porridge Buffet. I was there on the last Friday of March to check out the Porridge Buffet which is priced at only $12 nett.

Porridge Buffet 4/5

For a mere $12, there is an eclectic selection of traditional condiments and dishes to go with either the normal porridge or porridge with sweet potatoes. During my visit, we had some of the items such as pickled radish, salted egg, fried ikan selar, chye por neng, long beans, prawn paste chicken, sambal eggplant

Braised Duck 4.2/5

Besides the array of unlimited traditional condiments and dishes to go with the porridge, very table will have a plate of Braised Duck and Steamed Seafood that will be served once. My table was quite surprised in the execution of the braised duck coming from a kitchen that is more focus on western fare. The duck had absorbed the flavourful braising sauce and cooked to a nice tender texture. It definitely is a crowning dish for the porridge buffet.

Steamed Prawn

For the steamed seafood, we had the Steamed Prawn during our visit. I heard it served steamed sotong last month. The steamed prawns were huge, crunchy and juicy.

Stewed Tau Pok, Tau Ki and Tau Fu 4.2/5

A highlight at the buffet is the Stewed Tau Pok, Tau Ki and Tau Fu. The best way to enjoy the bowl of porridge is to drench it with the flavoursome braising sauce, and paired with the stewed tau pok, tau ki and tau fu which has soaked up the delicious braising sauce.

There is even dessert such as Red Bean Soup, Cakes and Brownies to complete the buffet spread.

By the way, I was told that the porridge buffet is very popular and it is recommend to call or email the.art.aps@gmail.com to make reservation to avoid disappointment. On top of that, do be patient with their service as the place is run by students that are still learning the trade to gain practical experience experience from what they have learnt in classes.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The ART (Assumption Restaurant for Training)
Assumption Pathway School
30 Cashew Road
Singapore 679976
Tel: +65 68926187
Facebook
Wesbsite
Nearest MRT: Cashew (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm- 5pm
Fri: 6pm - 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Cashew MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Cashew Road. Walk down Cashew Road. Walk to Assumption Pathway School. From the guard house, walk straight to the canteen. At the end of the canteen, take the staircase on the right to the washing point. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Rudimentary @ Footscray [Melbourne] - Container Cafe With Seasonal Menu Straight From Their Garden

Container concept is not new but seldom I see one that is as comfortable as Rudimentary, which is nested at Footscray,a suburb in Melbourne. This is one of my favourite suburb cafes in Melbourne which I visited during my trip. Huge breathing space with an impressive garden with greens, fruits and herbs which go into making our dishes. Do note that menu changes according to season, what we had was Autumn menu. Very simple interior and furnishing, the kind of everyday cafe, as seen from their basic 2 toasts with butter and homemade seasonal jam alongside with their cup of coffee.

Steak & Cheese Baguette

The Steak & Cheese Baguette (AUD$14) is a very basic sandwich but the taste of the steak went beyond your usual fast food kind of sandwich. It was quite juicy and tender with oozy cheese all over it. The baguette is closer to a ciabatta which I thought goes even better with the filling. Just look at the charred portion of the bread! That adds characters to an otherwise ordinary toast out from an oven.

Coconut & Lime Panna Cotta

Somehow or rather, the Coconut & Lime Panna Cotta (AUD$16) is a dish within the mains and not in the range of desserts, perhaps like your brunch waffles or pancakes. It was my very first experience having panna cotta as a main and theirs made it a memorable one too. The contrast of colours in a myriad of red and orange was sense awakening. Every bite comes with a nice coconut fragrant on top of the creamy texture without being overly cloying. The salad on the side which consists of tangy and citrusy fruits, tart berries and crispy dried fruits was perfect in creating complementing flavours and textural contrasts with the panna cotta.

Smoked Beef Ribs with Plum Puree, Cucumber Kimchi, Corn Bread

I rarely see a meat dish that is as neat as their Smoked Beef Ribs (AUD$19.50) with the different ingredients arranged side by side. Corn bread seems to be a common accompaniment for meats, as it appears a few times in other menus. The beef did look really smoked and almost to the degree of charred black but the inside was done right. The blood red plum puree was a sophisticated sauce to flavour the meat, along with an interesting spicy kick with the cucumber kimchi adding a crunchy touch. The portion of the ribs may seem much smaller than expected, not your regular american ribs with sauces all over the plates for sure, but I like the intimacy that a diner could have with this dish - savours every bite and appreciates every flavour that comes through.

I finally get to really appreciate what a seasonal menu is after seeing the garden, savouring the food using the ingredients straight from the garden etc.. Last but not least, the warm service and smile by the team. I wished I was really on a vacation and need not rush to my next destination. One day, I shall be back!

Written and photography 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.


Rudimentary
16-20 Leeds Street
Footscray, Melbourne
Victoria, Australia
[Map]
Tel: +61 497058173
Facebook
Website

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 730am - 330pm
Sat-Sun: 8am - 330pm

Song Garden Chinese Restaurant @ Mercure Singapore Bugis - Modern Cantonese Restaurant In The Heart of Bugis

A new Cantonese restaurant has opened on the second level of the new Mercure Singapore Bugis hotel. Taking almost the entire floor, it can sit up to 120 people with seven private rooms. The new Chinese restaurant is helmed byExecutive Chef Wong Shea Nung and Executive Dim Sum Chef Leung Chi Man.

Steamed Cheong Fun with Fresh Prawn 4.2/5

We were given a glimpse of the dim sum offering at Song Garden starting with the Steamed Cheong Fun with Fresh Prawn ($6 per serving). There is a layer of light flour crisp rolled within the thin layer of rice sheet and stuffed with crunchy prawn. It is a bit similar like having zhaliang but replacing the youtiao with the flour crisp and prawn. Have it together with a bit of the homemade soya sauce for a fuller enjoyment. Do not pour too much of it as the sauce is quite salty.

Pan Seared Otah Siew Mai on Skewers 4/5

The other dim sum item we tried is the Pan Seared Otah Siew Mai on Skewers ($6 for 4pc). Siew Mai is usually stuffed with minced pork and prawn but this version is substituted with spicy mackeral otah paste and chunky pieces of prawn. It is first steamed and then pan seared for a caramelised finish.

Lobster with Pumpkin Puree in Hot Stone Pot 4.5/5

Served bubbling hot on a hot stone is the Lobster with Pumpkin Puree ($28/pax). The pumpkin broth was light and sweet which is thickened with shark cartilage and fish maw for a velvety finish. Lobster stock was also added for a robust finish. There was also chucky pieces of lobster meat in it. The other highlight is the black garlic bread stick which goes well with the soup. I prefer to tear them into small pieces and throw it into the soup, allowing them to soak up the delicious soup.

Chilled Five-Spice Foie Gras with Blueberry Compote 4.2/5

How the Chilled Five-Spice Foie Gras with Blueberry Compote ($26.80 per serving) is prepared is quite interesting. The foie gras is soaked in superior soya sauce, rock sugar and five spice for 3 days. It is cubed and served on top blueberry compote. I thought the treatment removes the gaminess and gives it a hint of sweetness. I personally prefer to have it without the blueberry compote, to enjoy the richness of the pate.

Sauteed Asparagus with Wild Mushrooms in White Truffle Oil 3.5/5

While I enjoyed the Sauteed Asparagus with Wild Mushrooms ($28) for its crunchiness and the earthy flavours from the different variety of mushrooms, I do not think the addition of the white truffle oil is necessary especially we have a plate of fresh ingredients.

Lamb Rack Stuffed with Diced Fish 3.5/5

This is not your usual lamb. The Lamb Rack ($22/pax) is stuffed with diced cod fish and dressed in a feather light batter. While the idea is rather interesting and turned out quite enjoyable, I would still prefer a good wholesome piece of lamb without any fancy execution.

Mentaiko Cod Fillet 4.2/5

A mouth watering dish is the Mentaiko Cod Fillet ($19.80/pax). The slab of cod fish is gently roast and given a coat of creamy mentaiko sauce. Hints of yuzu could be detected in the mentaiko sauce for a nice contrast to complement the richness. It is also paired with a tuille of dried white bait for the extra crunchiness.

Signature Roast Chicken on Bed of Beancurd Skin 4.2/5

A painstakingly prepared dish is the Signature Roast Chicken on Bed of Beancurd Skin ($25 half chicken/ $50 whole chicken). The skin of the chicken is stretched, dried and roasted to a crispy texture. This is eaten together with crunchy beancurd skin, minced chicken meat, slivers of cucumber and spring onions. Quite similar like have Peking duck.

Braised Pre-Seared Vermicelli with Shredded Fish in Silken Egg White 3/5

The Braised Pre-Seared Vermicelli with Shredded Fish in Silken Egg White ($24) was a dish that I was looking forward to try but it left me disappointed. I felt that the execution was on the bland side and the broth lacked the robustness to hold the dish together. I ended up adding a lot of vinegar to boost the flavour.

Combination of Fresh Fruit, Coconut Parfait, Mango Pudding and Osmanthus Jelly 3.5/5

For a sweet ending, the Combination of Fresh Fruit, Coconut Parfait, Mango Pudding and Osmanthus Jelly ($13.80/pax) is a good choice where diners can try a bit of everything.

If you are a fan of East Ocean Seafood Restaurant's dim sum, you may be interested to know that Chef Leung has moved to Song Garden to be the Executive Dim Sum Chef. I look forward in returning to try his dim sum creations.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Song Garden Chinese Restaurant
Mercure Bugis Singapore
122 Middle Road
#02-01
Singapore 188973
Tel: +65 65219299
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to traffic light junction. Cross the road. Turn left and walk to Middle Road. Turn right onto Middle Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]