Common Man Coffee Roasters @ Alexandra - Launches a Refreshed All-day Menu

Common Man Coffee Roasters (CMCR) at Alexandra has recently launched a refreshed all-day menu featuring over ten delectable new items, from all-day breakfast options to classic dishes. The beverage selections have also been updated with a new range of seasonal coffee concoctions, combining CMCR coffees with housemade infusions.

Breakfast Pancakes 4/5

From the breakfast selections, we tried an amped-up version of Breakfast Pancakes ($26). These brown butter pancakes were fluffy with a pronounced butteriness, served alongside rich, luscious scrambled eggs and crispy bacon. The dish was served with maple butter syrup to bring the flavours together, creating a delightful balance of sweet and savoury notes. Adding burnt feta sprinkles enhanced the dish's savoriness, making it a standout breakfast option.

Common Man Full Breakfast 4/5

The mainstay Common Man Full Breakfast ($30) continues to be a popular choice. Besides the generous portion size, the housemade elements, such as the hash browns and pork sausage, set it apart. The chorizo baked beans were flavorful, although they could benefit from a longer cooking time to achieve the desired softer texture.

Rainbow Rice Bowl w/chicken 4/5

We had the Rainbow Rice Bowl ($24) from the Classics, a wholesome dish made with organic brown rice, housemade spicy pineapple kimchi, sweet potato chips, daikon, and crispy buckwheat. A poached egg crowned the rice, serving as a natural sauce that brought all the elements together. The texture and flavour of this dish were excellent — the rice had a good bite and a nuttier taste, which mingled well with the other ingredients. The kimchi was piquant, with sweetness coming through from the sweet potato chips, while the crispy buckwheat added a delectable crunch and extra nutty nuances. We opted for the grilled chili chicken add-on, but smoked salmon ($8) is also available as an alternative.

King Prawn Mac & Cheese 4.5/5

A highlight for me is the King Prawn Mac & Cheese ($28) under the pasta selection. It featured chunky sautéed king prawns with just the right amount of béchamel and cheese to coat the macaroni. The flavours were well-balanced, using assertive cheeses like red cheddar and Parmigiano-Reggiano and incorporating bitter greens such as kale into the creamy mix. The texture of the succulent prawns and al dente macaroni was spot-on, and the addition of sourdough crumbs boosted the overall enjoyment of the dish, such as fruit extracts, juices, nut milk, and spice extracts.

Beet Box

Do try the new speciality iced drinks. I had a refreshing Beet Box made using cold brew, sweet and tart with raspberry, beetroot, pomegranate, and dragonfruit. There are also other caffeinated options with a bolder coffee flavour, such as Going Bananas, which is made using housemade banana syrup.

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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Common Man Coffee Roasters
368 Alexandra Road
#01-01
Singapore 159952
Tel: +65 6877 4872
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 730am – 5pm
Tue–Thu, Sun: 730am – 10pm
Fri–Sat: 730am – 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie @ Momentus Hotel Alexandra - Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie x Blue Smoke Four Hands Buffet Experience

Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie at Momentus Hotel Alexandra is elevating its buffet dining experience through a unique and limited-time collaboration with Blue Smoke, a local BBQ and smokehouse led by Executive Chef Ivan Yeo. Running from 1 to 31 July 2024, the weekend buffet dinner will feature an exquisite spread that highlights the best of both Momentus Hotel Alexandra’s Executive Chef Jeffrey Tan and the award-winning Executive Chef Ivan Yeo from Blue Smoke.

Smoked Garam Masala Beef Tomahawk

Among the many highlights of this buffet, the Smoked Garam Masala Beef Tomahawk was a rare treat. This dish features beef tomahawk marinated with garam masala, smoked for approximately an hour, and then grilled to a medium-rare finish.

Grilled Tamarind Barramundi

My personal favourite was the Grilled Tamarind Barramundi. Zested up with a thick tamarind paste, the fish was incredibly moist and tender. The smoky nuances combined with the tangy paste add a depth of flavor to the natural sweetness of the fish.

Charred Napa Cabbage

The Charred Napa Cabbage with Smoked Garlic Aioli, while flavorful, could benefit from more thorough cooking in the middle to ensure a consistent texture.

Grilled Australian Lamb Shoulder

Kombu Butter Tiger Prawns

The Grilled Australian Lamb Shoulder, seasoned impeccably with herbs and spices, had a pleasing flavor, though its texture leaned towards being slightly dry. Similarly, the Kombu Butter Tiger Prawns were flavorful but a bit dry.

Pork Belly Bulgogi

Balinese Chicken Wings

Pork Belly Bulgogi was another tantalizing dish, with a smoky-sweet caramelization on the surface that provided a satisfying bite. The Balinese Chicken Wings were also a crowd pleaser, thanks to their well-balanced seasoning and tender meat.

Green Lip Mussels

Smoked Wagyu Beef Brisket

In addition to the extensive buffet spread, there is a special tasting menu featuring five curated dishes, two of which are from Blue Smoke. The Green Lip Mussels stewed in Thai green curry and smoked lychee were particularly noteworthy, with a superb punchy green curry. The 20-hour Smoked Wagyu Beef Brisket, served in crispy pie tee cups, offered an unctuous mouthfeel with the contrast of crispy bites, making it a delightful indulgence.

Four Hands Buffet Experience: Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie x Blue Smoke
1 – 31 July 2024. Weekend Buffet Dinner Fri & Sat: 6:00pm – 10:00pm $98++ per adult, $42++ per child (6 – 11 years old).

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.


Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie
Momentus Hotel Alexandra
Level 7
323 Alexandra Road
Singapore 159972
Tel: +65 6828 8880
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast Buffet (Daily): 6:30am - 10:30am
A La Carte Lunch and Dinner (Daily): 12noon - 10:00pm
Semi-buffet Lunch (Daily): 12noon – 2:30pm
Weekday Semi-buffet Dinner (Sun to Thu): 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Weekend Buffet Dinner (Fri & Sat): 6:00pm – 10:00pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 2 stops later. Walk towards Ikea, At Ikea, continuing walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 4 stops later. Walk towards Ikea, At Ikea, continuing walk to destination. . Journey time 10 minutes. [Map]

The Marmalade Pantry @ Anchorpoint Shopping Centre - New Weekend Brunch Menu Selection

The Marmalade Pantry has recently launched a brand new brunch menu, available only on weekends.

Whipped Feta Brulee 2.8/5

First, jazzing up the brunch experience is a sharing starter – Whipped Feta Brulee ($18). This dish features a creamy blend of whipped feta and cream cheese with a caramelised crust textured with pomegranate seeds, pistachios, and dates. Served with sourdough crostini, it's akin to a mezze. It would have been more enjoyable with a higher ratio of feta, as I found the sweetness of the dip a tad cloying towards the end.

Crab & Chilli Scramble 3/5

We had the Crab & Chilli Scramble ($30) and Beef & Potatoes ($30) for mains. The first featured scrambled free-range eggs infused with homemade chilli jam and paired with poached lump crab meat. The crab meat was meaty and had a pleasant, sweet taste. The eggs were delightfully fluffy, but the sweet chilli jam made the dish's overall taste a tad on the sweeter side rather than injecting that expected depth of heat or flavour.

Beef & Potatoes 4.2/5

On the other hand, Beef & Potatoes ($30) stood out with its tender 150-day grain-fed Australian beef brisket, served with a savoury white bean puree contrasted with sweet roasted grapes. The dish was completed with chunks of fluffy roasted potatoes, creating a well-balanced and hearty main course.

Skillet Pancake 3/5

For something sweet, the Skillet Pancake ($24) features a pancake prepared à la minute and served with berry blossom jam, Chantilly cream, and fresh berries sprinkled with crunchy granola mix. The light cream and tart jam were both delicious and their portions definitely can be more generous given the size of the pancake. The pancake resembled an airy sponge cake more than a pancake, but overall it was a delectable sweet weekend treat.

The new brunch menu selection can be enjoyed for dine-in at The Marmalade Pantry Anchorpoint from 11 am to 5 pm, the Novena and Downtown outlets from 11:30 am to 5 pm, takeaway (self-collection), and delivery with orders made online.

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.


The Marmalade Pantry
Anchorpoint
370 Alexandra Road
#01-23/24/25/35/36
Singapore 159953
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road, walk to bus stop opposite Redhill MRT (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]


2) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Queenstown Lontong @ Margaret Drive Hawker Centre - Unveiling the Hidden Gem at the Hawker Centre

On a bustling weekend afternoon, we went to Margaret Drive Hawker Centre, eager to explore the food offerings garnering rave reviews — our destination of choice – the Queenstown Lontong stall. Intrigued by the positive buzz from fellow food enthusiasts, we set our sights on a bowl of Mee Rebus.

Mee Rebus 4.5/5

The star from the stall was the Mee Rebus, a dish that left an indelible mark on our taste buds. For a modest $4, a heaping portion of yellow noodles bathed in a luscious, thick, and savoury sauce awaited us. Each slurp was a revelation, the noodles coated generously with the delectable sauce. Adding a whole egg and a substantial piece of tofu elevated this dish to a complete and satisfying meal in a bowl. For an extra burst of flavour, biting into the green chilli provided a delightful contrast that heightened the overall experience.

Begedil

What surprised me was the Begedil, a potato patty that surpassed our expectations. Infused with Chinese celery and cumin, the Begedil presented a mashy and creamy texture, offering a flavour profile that danced on the palate. The unexpected twist came in the form of crispy ikan bilis, adding a delightful crunch to the ensemble.

The unpretentious stall, marked only by a modest signboard, was a hidden gem at Margaret Drive Hawker Centre. Its unassuming exterior belied the food within, particularly the Mee Rebus that left a lasting impression. Despite the absence of the Lontong on this visit, the experience piqued our curiosity, leaving us eager to return and explore more offerings from this humble yet exceptional stall.


Queenstown Lontong
Margaret Drive Hawker Centre
#01-27
38A Margaret Drive
Singapore 142038
Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Wed, Fri-Sat: 7am - 2pm
(Closed on Thu & Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk down Commonwealth Avenue and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie @ Momentus Hotel Alexandra - A Spanish-inspired Festive Buffet Dinner

Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie at Momentus Hotel Alexandra celebrates this yuletide season with you with a Spanish-inspired Christmas Feast. Alongside festive favourites with a dinner buffet, this feast occurs every Friday and Saturday, including public holidays from 15 to 31 December 2023.

The highlight for me is definitely the free-flow of Jamon Iberico de Bellota, carved straight off from the ham's leg. Rich and savoury with a luscious mouthfeel, it's perfect with aperitivo of Sangria de Bienvenida that's being offered.

Puntillitas Fritas Baby Squid Fritters with Aioli

Albondigas Spiced Spanish Meatballs

Gambas al Ajillo Garlic Prawns

Pimentos de Padron Fried Green Peppers

Croquetas de Jamon Serrano Spanish Ham

Ala carte free-flowing tapas are served upon order - Albondigas Spiced Spanish Meatballs, Gambas al Ajillo Garlic Prawns, Pimentos de Padron Fried Green Peppers, Puntillitas Fritas Baby Squid Fritters with Aioli and Croquetas de Jamon Serrano Spanish Ham. The moriesh Puntillitas Fritas Baby Squid Fritters is a must-try!

Cochinillo Spanish Roast Suckling Pig

If you drop by on 24 and 31 December 2023, the Live Action Station will also offer a whole Cochinillo Spanish Roast Suckling Pig. Crispy skin with tender meat and the rarity of being offered on a buffet will make your trip here worthwhile.

Crackling Porchetta with Truffle & Herb Stuffing

75°C Slow-roasted Whole Lamb Leg, Australian Wagyu Tomahawk

In addition to the regular roasts, the Live Action Station is packed with even more mouthwatering items - Crackling Porchetta with Truffle & Herb Stuffing, 75°C Slow-roasted Whole Lamb Leg and a classic Grain Mustard & Honey-Glazed Gammon Ham.

Their signature Spit-Roasted Rotisserie Chicken and the Australian Wagyu Tomahawk are still available. From 1 to 31 December 2023, receive a complimentary salad and fruit cake when you order any two festive roasts.

Seafood on Ice

Cured Salmon Terrine

Seafood on Ice is also more beefed up with Boston Lobster, Pacific Oysters, Poached Sea Prawns and Sea Whelk. The cold larder counter includes a specially crafted Cured Salmon Terrine alongside the regular Charcuterie Board and Antipasti.

Hand-stretched Wood-fired Sourdough Pizzas

The Hand-stretched Wood-fired Sourdough Pizzas also have Spanish-inspired flavours, such as Ham & Manchego Cheese and Chorizo Diablo.

Live Bouchot Mussels in White Wine Saffron Sauce

Beer Braised Beef Brisket

Valencian Seafood Paella

The Hot Mains offers comforting and hearty dishes such as Live Bouchot Mussels in White Wine Saffron Sauce and Beer Braised Beef Brisket, which pair well with the Valencian Seafood Paella.

Spanish Crema Catalana

Churros

The desserts didn't quite delight as much as the mains, although Spanish specialities are being offered, such as Turron de Jijona and Spanish Crema Catalana, which are very much on the sweeter side. The Churros is the one to go for.

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.


Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie
Momentus Hotel Alexandra
Level 7
323 Alexandra Road
Singapore 159972
Tel: +65 6828 8880
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast Buffet (Daily): 630am - 1030am
Weekday Semi-buffet Lunch (Monday - Friday): 12 noon - 230pm
A La Carte Lunch and Dinner (Daily): 12 noon - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 2 stops later. Walk towards Ikea, At Ikea, continuing walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 4 stops later. Walk towards Ikea, At Ikea, continuing walk to destination. . Journey time 10 minutes. [Map]

Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie @ Momentus Hotel Alexandra - New Buffet Menu with Premium Meat Offerings and A La Carte Delights

Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie, located on the 7th level of Momentus Hotel Alexandra, is known for its poolside dining experience, where you get to feast with a view that looks out across the canopy of The Southern Ridges. Offering a unique concept of modern European cuisine infuses an Asian twist. Its latest Weekend Buffet Dinner menu includes premium meat offerings and new a la carte delights.

Seafood On Ice

The Seafood on Ice Station was bountiful with beautiful Live Pacific Oysters, Poached Sea Prawns and Black Mussels.

Charcuterie and Antipasti

Smoked Salmon

The Cold Larder station is allured with an extensive selection of chilled items, featuring a range of Charcuterie and Antipasti. Don't miss the in-house Smoked Salmon - it's arguably one of the best I've had in buffet spreads, offering a delectable, luscious texture and mouthfeel.

75°C Slow Roasted Argentinian Angus Beef Ribeye Australian Wagyu Tomahawk

The main draw of the buffet dinner is the Live Action Kitchen of succulent roasts. The 75°C Slow Roasted Argentinian Angus Beef Ribeye excites all senses as you watch the chef expertly grills your order a la minute on Hibachi Grill with Binchotan. With this extra step of grilling, the meat's flavours are definitely superior to a regular roast. Australian Wagyu Tomahawk adds to the feast as well.

48-Hour Citrus Brined Rotisserie Chicken

Crackling Stuffed Porchetta

Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie's signature 48-hour Citrus Brined Rotisserie Chicken isn't just your regular rotisserie-style chicken. Marinated with a blend of 12 spices, the meat was moist and tender, carrying the delectable flavours of its citrus brine, especially the chicken skin. The Crackling Stuffed Porchetta was a hit too. I love the end of the porchetta, which carried a good portion of the crackling!

Parmigiano Cheese Wheel Pasta

Parmigiano Cheese Wheel Pasta is a crowd-pleaser. Every plate is prepared fresh upon order. I enjoyed the chunks of the parmigiano that were tossed into the pasta.

Pizzas

Hand-stretched, thin-crust sourdough pizzas are freshly baked in a wood-fired oven using applewood. Three flavours are available - Classic Margherita, Seafood Sakura Ebi that tastes very much like Takoyaki, and a more saucy Gochujang Chicken.

Wood Fire Seafood Paella

The Wood Fire Seafood Paella is worth a mention. Not often will you find this dish offered in a buffet; its quality is restaurant-worthy or even better.

Grilled Octopus

Seared Scallops

Diners are invited to scan a QR code to order. A La Carte delights will be served at your table. The selection is impressive - Fish en Papillote, Cod fish, Seared Scallops, Grilled Octopus and Burnt Iberico Pork Secreto. Even though each is served in individual portions, every item is thoughtfully plated. I was particularly delighted by the Grilled Octopus that was accompanied by a Pedron Pepper, which added a special touch to the presentation and flavours.

Cod Fish

The Cod Fish was aptly seared, attaining a delightful char on the edges that added to its flavour profile. The pickled ginger slices served on the side provided a tangy contrast to cut through the richness of the fish's meat.

Dessert creations include Sticky Date Pudding, Buttery Madeleines, and a Choux A La Creme tower with caramel. The Pink Chocolate Fondue was mesmerising and pretty delicious too. But what I liked most was the Sago Pudding, which is a rare tasty treat for a buffet spread.

Sago Pudding

Weekend Buffet Dinner Fri & Sat: 6:00pm – 10:00pm $88++ per adult, $42++ per child (6 – 11 years old)

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.


Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie
Momentus Hotel Alexandra
Level 7
323 Alexandra Road
Singapore 159972
Tel: +65 6828 8880
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast Buffet (Daily): 630am - 1030am
Weekday Semi-buffet Lunch (Monday - Friday): 12 noon - 230pm
A La Carte Lunch and Dinner (Daily): 12 noon - 10pm
Weekend Buffet Dinner (Friday & Saturday): 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 2 stops later. Walk towards Ikea, At Ikea, continuing walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 4 stops later. Walk towards Ikea, At Ikea, continuing walk to destination. . Journey time 10 minutes. [Map]