Assembly Coffee @ Evans Lodge (Bukit Timah)

The number of third wave coffee movement cafes popping out in the Singapore's cafe scene is astonishing. There seems to be always a couple of new cafe somewhere out there at some corner in Singapore. Among all these new cafes is Assembly Coffee at Evans Lodge where I have heard many good reviews among the cafe hoppers. So during one of my off day, I made my way down to the cafe to soak up the caffeine aroma in the west side of Singapore.

Caffe Latte 4.2/5

If I remembered correctly, my friend had the Mocha while I have my usually Caffe Latte ($4.50). The latte art as seen in the picture is very skilled and beautiful. I am not a coffee expert but I wonder why my caffe latte had a lot of small bubbles. Putting that aside, the coffee was good using coffee beans from Liberty. It has the right balance which I enjoyed.

Salted Caramel Buttermilk Waffle 4.5/5

Among my friends they all know that I am not a big fan of dessert so I usually took a few bites and that is it. However even I have to admit that the much raved about waffle at Assembly Coffee was really good. The Salted Caramel Buttermilk Waffle ($10.50) excelled all my expectation, be it the flavour or texture it was my perfect waffle. Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, each bite of the waffle with salted caramel and vanilla ice cream was simply heaven.

After visiting Assembly Coffee, I can understand why many have raved about this cafe. I would say it is a cafe with the whole package. Good food, good coffee, nice decoration and both pretty and handsome baristas that make each cup of coffee with dedication.


Assembly Coffee
26 Evans Road
Singapore 259367
Tel: +65 67355647
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/assemblycoffeesg
Website: http://assembly.sg/
Nearest MRT: Botanic Gardens (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 8am - 7pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Botanic Gardens MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk towards the main road. Turn right and walk down Bukit Timah Road. Turn right at the first junction and walk towards Evans Road. Turn left onto Evans Road and turn right again to continue on Evans Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Little Hiro @ Bukit Timah Road

Inspired by a trip to Hawaii, the owner of Burger Shack decides to revamp the concept offering Hawaiian-Japanese BBQ and Grill as well as renaming the cute little restaurant as Little Hiro. Fans of Burger Shack need not worry as their popular burgers is still available in the revamped menu.

Sanzoku Black Pepper Beef 3/5

Chicken Karaage 3.5/5

With the new menu and concept, Little Hiro has introduced 2 Shio Ramen Burger using Japanese ramen specially air flown into Singapore. I tried both the Sanzoku Black Pepper Beef ($8.90) and Chicken Karaage ($8.90). The burgers were definitely an interesting introduction to the burger scene however there is a flaw in the concept. The ramen burger is too messy to handle and eat. I collapsed upon handling. Between the 2 ramen burgers, my favourite was the Chicken Karaage which was more juicy and flavourful. The beef patty somewhat was gamy and tough.

Chicken Wings 3.5/5

For some light snacks, the Chicken Wings ($3.50 for 2 /$6.50 for 4) were big and juicy. Deep fried to a nice golden brown crisp, a delightful bite at Little Hiro.

Fried Calamari 3/5

The Fried Calamari ($7.90) comes with a nice thin batter that was deep fried to a nice crispy bite.

Sanzoku Double Hamburg Steak 3/5

From the Teppanyaki Rice Plates section of the menu, this is a one plate meal that is reasonable priced to satisfy one's hungry tummy. Unfortunately the Sanzoku Double Hamburg Steak ($8.20) used the same patty as the ramen black pepper beef burger which was not to my liking. The garlic butter Japanese rice on the hand was fragrant but could be richer in seasoning.

Flame Seared Teriyaki Salmon 3/5

The Flame Seared Teriyaki Salmon ($10.90) while value for money with the big slab of salmon, unfortunately was overcooked and needed a more fitting sauce to go with it.

While I was at Little Hiro, I observed that most of the patrons were students and younger crowd. I do not find the food top notch but definitely value for money with its huge servicing portion.


Little Hiro
King's Arcade
559 Bukit Timah Road
#01-01
Singapore 269695
Tel: +65 64663477
Website: http://www.hirobbq.com
Nearest MRT: Botanic Gardens (CC Line, DT Line), Farrer Road (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 930pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Botanic Gardens MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Botanic Gardens MRT station (Stop ID 41021). Take bus number 66, 67, 151, 154, 156,  170 and 171. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Farrer Road MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Farrer Road MRT station (Stop ID 11111). Take bus number 174 or 961. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

The Ascot @ The Grandstand

Will the former Turf City becomes the next Dempsey with more food and beverage establishments setting up at the newly revamped Turf City rebranded as The Grandstand? It waits to be seen whether The Grandstand will be next food paradise when diners will flock to.

The Ascot is the latest establishment to open at The Grandstand in mid February 2013. The owner, Sylvester who spent time studying in the UK wanted to recreate in Singapore the very best of the quintessential English pub experience offering the very best of authentic English comfort food with a spectacular host of alcoholic beverages.

Cold Cut Platter 4.2/5

The Cold Cut Platter ($18) comes with 3 types of cold cuts served with silver onions, gherkins, scotch eggs and homemade bread. Scotch Eggs are a first for me. I didn't know eggs can be wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs and deep fried. Love that the yolk was still runny and it came with different textures of enjoyment.

Smoked Tomato Soup 4.5/5

This is probably one of the best tomato soup I ever had. The Smoked Tomato Soup ($8) drizzled with peso was velvety, hearty and comforting.

Strawberry Spinach Salad 4.5/5

The Strawberry Spinach Salad ($18) sounds a bit bizarre with the medley of crumbled blue cheese, pistachios, bacon and avocado drizzled with raspberry vinaigrette was surprisingly very good and well balanced. Many people do not like the acquire taste of blue cheese but the one used at The Ascot is rather mild and it is quite easy for the local palate.

A Bunch of Bangers 3.5/5

A Bunch of Bangers ($20) comes with 3 Broiled Sausages (veal, kurobuta pork, pork & garlic) and served on traditional English dish made with shallow fried leftover vegetables known as Bubble and Squeak. It got its name because of the bubbling and squeaking sounds during cooking.

Badgers Tangle Foot from UK

The best beverage to compliment the sausages is none other than having an ice cold beer. The Ascot's selection of alcoholic beverages includes Fullers London Pride, Pure Blond and Crown Lager, house pour spirits such as Cruzan Light Rum, as well as a diverse range of beers imported from England, Australia and other parts of Europe. The Ascot's variety of beers also changes every week. I had a Badgers Tangle Foot from UK ($15) which is a in between beer that is light and not too bitter.

Cottage Pie 3/5

The Cottage Pie ($22) is an all time English favourite served with buttered peas at the side. A simple and homely meal with minced beef topped with mash potatoes. Can't help going back for more serving of it.

Pan Fried Fish on Turkish Bread 4/5

I was not having high expectation of the Pan Fried Fish Sandwich ($16) served with salad and fries as it looked rather ordinary. I was proven wrong when I sunk my teeth into the soft Turkish bread sandwiched with beautifully cooked fish that was fresh and moist. The fries also had a nice outer crisp as it was doubled fried. A technique that the fries are first deep fried to par cooked, drained of excess oil and deep fried again until golden brown.

Roasted Chicken 4.2/5

The Roasted Chicken ($24) served with vegetables and potato Lyonnais was finger licking good. The moist and tender chicken was well marinated and very tasty. I would love to go back for this dish again.

Classic Bread & Butter Pudding 3.5/5

A slight twist from the tradition, the Classic Bread & Butter Pudding ($9) at The Ascot uses Brioche instead of the usual stale white bread giving it a rich and tender crumb.

Deep Fried Mars Bars 3.5/5

I have never heard of Deep Fried Mars Bars ($8) until today. Since I don't have a sweet tooth, I was afraid that the deep fried mars bars will be too sweet for my liking. It turned out that it was acceptable for my palate. It was not too sweet and had a nice thin batter coating which helps to tone down the sweetness as well as giving the dessert an extra texture.

Hidden right at the corner of The Grandstand and probably the only few places that serves authentic English food. The Ascot is also a great place to chill out away from the hustle and bustle of the city. On weekends, Brunch is available at The Ascot and it also has a Sunday Roast which is a popular family tradition originating from the North of England.


[CLOSED]
The Ascot
The Grandstand
200 Turf Club Road
#01-16
Singapore 287994
Tel: +65 64620881
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theascotsingapore
Nearest MRT: Botanic Garden (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 11pm
Fri: 1130am - 1am
Sat: 1030am - 1am
Sun: 1030am - 11pm (Sunday Roast starts from 430pm - 830pm)
Weekend Brunch: 1030am - 230pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to exit B. Walk to Turf Club Road. Continue on Turf Club Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to exit B. Walk down Dunearn Road towards Turf Club Road, to bus stop opposite Sixth Avenue Centre (Stop ID 42019). Wait for The Grandstand Shuttle Bus. 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT  station. Take Exit A. Walk down Bukit Timah Road. Walk to bus stop at Sixth Avenue Centre (Stop ID 42011). Wait for The Grandstand Shuttle Bus. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

The Marmalade Pantry at Stables @ Fairways Drive (Bukit Timah)

Having brunch and restaurants offering all day breakfast on their menu like a new hype in the Singapore food and beverage scene. For me, I think this is just an execuse to sleep late and for restaurants to make money charging lunch/dinner price for breakfast.

Anyway, it was an unplanned trip to Marmalade Pantry at Stables. My partner and I were supposed to go to Bollywood at Kranji but the sky was turning dark. Afraid that the weather will spoil our excursion, we decided to postpone our trip and detoured to Marmalade Pantry at Stables for lunch.

Egg Benedict 4.5/5

We decided to go for the Brunch menu and I had the Egg Benedict ($19). The lovely poached egg sitting on top of a ham and toast with a light hollandaise sauce brightened my day just like the sunshine breaking through the dark clouds.

Egg Any Style 4/5

My partner had the Egg Any Style ($20). She went for the poached egg too. The order also came with your choice of grilled English sausage or smoked bacon, sauteed mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, home made baked beans, whole wheat toast. This is definitely a hearty breakfast to start one's day.

Both breakfast set were really lovely and hearty. I bit too hearty that I have heart pain paying the type of price tag for breakfast. Will I visit the restaurant again? Yes. Will I order the brunch menu again? No. I rather go for the mains.

Unfortunately, Marmalade Pantry is not accessible by public transport. If you are not driving, the nearest MRT station is at Botanic Gardens Station. From the station, you will need to cab to the destination.


The Marmalade Pantry @ Stables
55 Fairways Drive
Singapore 286846
Tel: +65 64677748
Website: http://www.themarmaladepantry.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: Botanic Gardens (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 3pm - 11pm
Sat-Sun: 10am - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

La Petite Cuisine @ Serene Centre

If you are craving for some French fare, you can check out this tiny eatery at the corner of Serene Centre. It is a casual eatery where one needs to place their order with the cashier. Water is self service at the counter. Do not expect any service here.

By the time I was there for dinner, it was about 9pm. I was looking forward to try their Duck Confit but most of the food on the menu already sold out. I have to settle for what was still available.

Upon placing the order and making payment, the waiter/waitress will serve the bread and butter.

The Chicken Chop with Spaghetti was nice but a little more sauce would be preferred. The spaghetti was Al Dente. The chicken was tender and moist.

Chicken Chop with Spaghetti 3.8/5

The Salmon was cooked perfectly. Pink inside with a delicious crispy skin. The spinach side and the cream sauce gave the dish a good balance of flavours.

Salmon and Rice 4/5

La Petite Cuisine
Serene Centre
10 Jalan Serene
#01-05
Singapore 258748
Nearest MRT: Botanic Gardens (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Botanic Gardens MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left towards Cluny Park Road. Cross Cluny Park Road and walk down Bukit Timah Road. Serene Centre is at the corner of Bukit Timah Road and Farrer Road. Journey time 3-5 mins.

Bahrakath Mutton Soup King @ Adam Road Food Centre

With the opening of the rest of the stations on the Circle Line, another popular food centre can be conveniently reached now. The new Botanic Gardens MRT station is just walking distance to the Adam Road Food Centre.

Talking about Adam Road Food Centre, the first thing that comes to my mind is Mutton Soup or also known as Kambing Soup. Bahrajath Mutton Soup King has probably one of the best Mutton Soup in town. It was full of rich spicy flavour and not oily. It also came with chunks of tender mutton.

Mutton Soup 4/5

I usually have breads to go with the Mutton Soup. I like to eat the bread after soaking up the delicious broth. If you are adventurous, you can add sheep tongue, ribs or brain to the Mutton Soup.


Bahrakath Mutton Soup King
Adam Road Food Centre
Stall #10
2 Adam Road
Singapore 289876
Nearest MRT: Botanic Gardens (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3am
(Close on alt Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Botanic Gardens MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the overhead bridge. Walk to destination. Journey time 5 mins.