My Cosy Corner @ Coronation Shopping Plaza

My Cosy Corner at Coronation Shopping Plaza is very popular if you stay in the Bukit Timah area. This tiny little eatery is tucked right in the corner at level two of the shopping centre. The eatery is not that cosy as the name suggested, it felt like stepping into a small eatery in the early 80s. Furthermore it felt more like an eatery selling Japanese food, rather than local nonya cuisine.

Kueh Pie Tee 4/5

Our lunch at My Cosy Corner started with Kueh Pie Tee ($4.80 for 6pc). I was actually feeling a bit upset that I am served with empty kueh pie tee cups and I have to make it myself. Lucky the food itself make up for it. The Chinese turnip is sweet and still has crunch to it. I would recommend adding a bit of the chilli sauce to enjoy the nonya snack in the crispy pastry tart shell.

Mee Sian 4.5/5

The reason why I made my way down to My Cosy Corner is to have their popular Mee Siam ($5 without prawn). The rich gravy with its perfect balance of sourish and spiciness make it extremely tasty. The crispy tau pok cubes give it an extra texture bites, completing the whole enjoyment.

Laksa 4.2/5

I also tried the Laksa ($5 without prawn) that comes in a thick and lemak gravy. The dried shrimp gives the creamy gravy a further lift in taste. This is a good bowl of laksa worth the calories.

During my visit. I realized a lot of customers wanted to try their popiah but it was not available. Apparently they don't sell popiah on Sunday. Which also means I did not get to try their popular popiah. I am sure I will be back to try their popiah and also the delicious Mee Siam again.


My Cosy Corner
Coronation Shopping Plaza
587 Bukit Timah Road
#02-02
Singapore 269707
Tel: +65 64638286
Website
Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 10am - 730pm
Sun & PH: 11am - 4pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tan Kah Kee MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right onto Bukit Timah Road. Walk down Bukit Timah Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Shelter in the Woods @ Greeenwood Avenue (Bukit Timah Road)

Following the successful re-opening of the Shelter in the Woods last year and the appointment of Chef Masashi Horiuchi, the restaurant brings to you their latest Sunday Brunch offering available from 1130am to 230pm.

Shelter Eggs Benedict 4.2/5

Starting the brunch at Shelter is the Eggs Benedict ($22). The colorful presentation of two poached Japanese farmhouse eggs on toasted bagel, smoked bacon and house made hollandaise sauce will definitely brings a smile to everyone's face. The winner definitely has to be the bacon which made the Sunday afternoon even more beautiful.

Croque Madam 4.2/5

Simplicity at its best is the Croque Madam ($20). The toasted bread with bechamel sauce, smoked ham, tomato, gratinated Gruyere cheese with a sunny side up egg on top is both cheesy and packed with rich flavours.

"Vol-au-Vent" Chicken Mushroom 4/5

Called me mountain tortoise but I I have never tried "Vol-au-Vent" Chicken Mushroom ($24) before. I thought this is an interesting concept of having baked puff pastry with creamy mushroom, pan fried chicken, smoked bacon, pearl onions and fresh herbs. It is like a deconstructed mushroom chicken pie but done in a more elegant way.

Oven Baked Chorizo Eggs 4.5/5

One of my favourite in the new Sunday brunch menu is the Oven Baked Chorizo Eggs ($22) that comes with two Japanese farmhouse egg, baked with chorizo sausage, roasted baby potatoes and caramelised onions. I like that the baby potatoes managed to absorb the essence from the chorizo, making it even more flavourful.

Clam Chorizo Spaghetti 4/5

Cooked to a nice al dente and with a hint of spiciness is the Clam Chorizo Spaghetti ($26) with fresh clams, chorizo sausage and spaghetti in a white wine sauce.

Shelter Sunday Roast Beef 4.5/5

If you are a meat person, then you will definitely like the Sunday Roast Beef ($38). A whole slice of US Nebraska Black Angus grain-fed ribeye beef is served together with glazed spring carrot, Yorkshire pudding, buttered kailan, garlic confit dressed in a veal jus and caramelised onion gravy. Nothing complex, just simple salt and pepper seasoning allowing one to appreciate the beautiful beef to the fullest.

Chestnut Tiramisu 4.8/5

Initially when the Chestnut Tiramisu was served, my first thought it how different it is going to be with the others? Surprising this tiramisu comes with confit chestnut in between the layers giving it a unique and very flavourful creamy texture that works excellently.

Vanilla Creme Brulee 4/5

A classic on the menu is the Vanilla Creme Brulee ($9.50) with a crackling layer of brown sugar on top. Nice balanced in flavour while not overly sweet or eggy.

Shelter French Toast 4/5

I was joking telling the rest that with both the French Toast ($17.50) and Fluffy Wam Pancake Stack ($16), the owner should consider opening in the day as a cafe servicing this 2 items. Be it presentation or taste, both items were really good. The egg pan fried French brioche comes with grilled cheese, berry compote and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The fluffy wam pancake stack on the other hand comes with French butter, maple syrup, berry compote and chocolate sauce.

Fluffy Wam Pancake Stack 4/5

Overall I have enjoyed the Sunday brunch at Shelter in the Woods. It is hard for me to pinpoint which is my favourite cause every items are as good. Hence it also meant there is something on the menu for everyone.


Shelter in the Woods 
22 Greenwood Avenue
Singapore 289218
Tel: +65 64666225
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShelterInTheWoods
Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6pm - 10pm
Sun Brunch: 1130am - 230pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tan Kah Kee MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to Exit B. Walk straigh to Hillcrest Road. Turn right onto Hillcrest Road. Walk down Hillcrest Road and make a left into Greenwood Avenue. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

The Missing Pan @ Bukit Timah Road

After achieving raving success for its delicious brunch dishes, The Missing Pan, a cosy bakery-cum-brasserie at Bukit Timah, has launched several new main courses and light bites that are perfect for sharing over dinner. The good news is that they are available all-day just like their hearty brunches.

Chorizo Pork Fiesta 3.5/5

Highlights from the "Munch" section include this Chorizo Pork Fiesta ($10), a generous serving of intensely savory Spanish pork sausages that are bouncy on the teeth. I thought the meaty discs combined with black olives were a little too salty on their own, but the acidic crunchy gherkins and dried chili acted as good mediators in terms of both flavors and textures.

Chargrilled Squid 4/5

I am not a fan of squid but this Chargrilled Squid ($12) were so sweet and succulent that made me rediscovered the charm of this brainy seafood. The enticingly sweet and spicy "hush hush" seasoning probably won a lot of points for this dish, which implied that the side dressing of honey lime mayonnaise did not serve much purpose but this would taste equally mouthwatering even if other seafood are tossed in.

Mushroom Quesadillas 3/5

The Mushroom Quesadillas ($18) had the basic necessary ingredients such as wild mushrooms, bell peppers, onions and mozzarella but the taste fell rather flat. It was a pity because the tortilla skin made in-house was excellently crisp and fresh. Perhaps a mix of cheese and a little more spice would bring about clarity of flavors.

Smoked Duck Risotto 4.2/5

Nonetheless, regardless whether you have visited in the past for the food, the Smoked Duck Risotto ($25) provided another good reason to dine here. Instead of slices of smoked duck breast, the meat was meticulously chopped into bite sizes, blending itself seamlessly with the rest of the ingredients including hojimeishi mushrooms and baby spinach. The bright zesty flavor of the semi sun-dried tomato lightened everything instantly and served as a good foil for the rich and creamy base.

Frozen Honey Nougat 4.5/5

The vigilant eye for consistent quality food is not kept to the main courses but also the desserts section, where non-conventional pairings like thyme ice cream and nutty brownie would invite you to linger for more. Take for example the Frozen Honey Nougat ($12) that was flecked with pistachio nuts, dried almonds, and jazzed up with a delicate and aromatic coconut tuile biscuit. I was amazed how this chilled meringue was so restrained in sweetness, even when consumed with the meringue sticks. This is definitely a wonderfully refreshing and healthier confection than the usual ice cream to tide sweet cravings.

Bread and Butter pudding with Vanilla Crème 4/5

Topped with all kinds of fruits you can imagine-from the usual berries to apples, grapes and even watermelon, the humble Bread and Butter pudding with Vanilla Crème was transformed into the largest and possibly most beautifully plated version I've ever seen. This eggy pud would set you back at only $8, but increase your belt size by another hole. Begetting a long swipe through the vanilla crème and cocoa crumbs, the lush custardy interior would be perfect if it had a toastier exterior.

Pleasure 3.5/5

Besides the desserts, all the cakes and bread are churned out from the 1st floor bakery. The Pleasure ($8.50) is a classic interpretation of a milk chocolate-hazelnut cake but the dacquoise and ganache were slightly stiffened and dry. However, the hints of salt did help to enhance the elusive chocolate and pull things into a more coherent shape.

For those who love their alcohol, The Missing Pan boasts a specially curated list ranging from Thatcher Ciders, Brothers Ciders to craft beers from Belgium and UK. With a winning recipe of earnest passion and sincerity in serving good food, I am confident that the Missing Pan will continue to anchor a strong foothold in the local F&B scene.

Written and Photograph by Li Tian, a passionate foodie behind Singapore-Japan Food Blog “Dairy & Cream”. Has an eye for pastries and desserts.


The Missing Pan
619D Bukit Timah Road
#01/02-01
Singapore 269724
Tel: +65 64664377
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/missingpan
Website: http://www.themissingpan.com
Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)

Opening Hours: 
Tue-Sat: 9am - 5pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sun/PH: 9am - 6pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tan Kah Kee MRT station. Take Exit A Turn right onto Bukit Timah Road. Walk down Bukit Timah Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Shelter in the Woods @ Greeenwood Avenue (Bukit Timah Road)

Christmas brings joy and what joy is it to know that the popular Shelter in the Woods has finally reopened on the 12 November 2014. Besides offering the ever popular traditional rotisserie's dishes, the restaurant has up its game with the appointment of Consulting Chef Masashi Horiuchi who has more than 20 years of experience in Michelin restaurants across Europe, combining homely rusticity with finesse of execution.

Shelter Charcuterie Board 4.5/5

A great platter for sharing while waiting for the mains  is the Shelter Charcuterie Board ($40). The charcuterie board features the BurgundyTerrine, Foie Grs Au Torchon, Pork Hat Terrine and Pate En Route. A ideal platter to kick start with some drinks.

Pate En Croute 4.8/5

What really stood out on the Charcuterie Board is the Pate En Croute. This is really something new to me for the less travelled and shallow culinary knowledge. It is amazing how something that look quite ordinary which I thought was some sort of a pie can taste so beautiful.

Pate En Croute 4.8/5

Slicing into the Pate En Croute revealed the different layers of duck foie gras, pork, veal, forest mushrooms, pig liver and consomme jelly wrapped in pastry. The harmony of all the ingredients took me by surprise with the consomme jelly and buttery pastry complementing it.

Shelter Quiche 4/5

I have learnt that while quiche is a classic French dish, it actually originated in Germany. A signature at Shelter in the Woods is the Shelter Quiche ($12.50). The short crust pastry is filled with forest mushrooms, Swiss gruyere cheese, garlic/herb butter, eggs and Swiss cream. I am not a big fan of quiche but this actually tasted quite yummy with the cheesy and earthy mushroom flavours.

Endive & Roquefort Salad 3/5

I thought the Endive & Roquefort Salad ($26) could be a bit acquire in taste for some. While the salad has a refreshing finishing with the used of green apple strips, cherry tomatoes and honey dressing, the Belgian endives were on the bitter side for me.

Lyonnaise Salad 4.2/5

I would prefer the traditional Lyonnaise Salad ($20) to the endive & roquefort salad. The savoury and tangy combination of Dutch smoked bacon and confit pearl onions dressed in a sherry vinaigrette provided the zest for the crunchy greens.

Creamy Corn Soup Trio 4.2/5

The Creamy Corn Soup Trio ($12.50) showed a glimpse of the chef's finesse in execution. The Japanese corn and onions are boiled in water and then mixed with roasted corn, hence a hint of smokiness. Milk is added, blended and sleved. The soup is then garnished with roasted corn, pop corn and parsley oil. The detailed into a simple soup dish elevated the whole experience which used to be only know of its homely, rustic, tradition food.

DIY Steak Tartar 4.5/5

A great starter will be the DIY Steak Tartar ($18 for 100g). The Do It Yourself steak tartar of handcut Australian Black Angus beef comes with capers, cornichons, beet, onion, chives and served with toasted farm bread. Mixed them all together with the quail egg to bond all the flavours that burst into a blossom in the mouth.

Rotisserie Suckling Pig 4.5/5

I was expecting a whole Rotisserie Suckling Pig ($35) such as those you get in a Spanish restaurant. Once again I was given a glimpse into his fine dining trained experience. The plating was beautiful. Cooked in the traditional flame rotisserie, the suckling pig is served with rotisserie pineapples, confit onions and gravy made of veal jus and caramelised onions. Perfectly executed, the skin was crackling while still retaining that juiciness. The used of pineapple also freshen up the palate from the natural greasiness of the meat.

Seafood Casserole 4.8/5

Seafood Casserole 4.8/5

The Seafood Casserole ($35) is great for sharing. The luxurious pot of seafood features seasonal fish, prawns, mussels and clams. The highlight has to be the rich seafood broth made from fish soup, fish, prawns, lobster, fennel, leeks, celery. carrots, tomatoes and saffron. The hearty harvest from the sea will get all your senses singing in praise.

Rotisserie Rack of Lamb 3.8/5

I love my lamb but the Rotisserie Rack of Lamb ($39) fell slight short of my expectation. While it was cooked to a nice tender and juicy in the traditional flame rotisserie and bathed in a garlic confit oil, the NZ rack of lamb somehow was lacking that gaminess which I enjoy tearing it off the bone.

Roasted Chicken 4.8/5

Being curator of the Ultimate Hawker Fest 2014 working with Tian Tian Chicken Rice and Toh Thye San Farm using the corn fed Anxin Chicken, I have known how good and sweet these chickens are. They are unlike the normally commercial boiler. I was quite excited to be reunited with Anxin chicken at Shelter in the Woods with the Roasted Chicken ($19 for half, $35 for whole). The rotisserie chicken is bathed in a garlic confit oil and served with roasted potatoes, mesclun salad and veal jus, caramelized onions gravy. I am glad that I can taste Anxin chicken again cause its sweetness is just so sweet on its own that you do not need any gravy or sauce.

Rotisserie Pineapple Crumble 2.8/5

I like the idea of using the pineapples crumble for the suckling pig and I have enjoyed it. However, knowing that it is available in another dish less the ice cream and having tried it, I am not sure I will pay the money for the Rotisserie Pineapple Crumble ($14). Putting the taste aside, it is too simple for a dessert and probably would not get the satisfaction out of it.

Tiny Crispy Apple Tart 4/5

Having a warm sweet finish to a delicious feast is the Tiny Crispy Apple Tart ($12). The tart topped with Fuji apple, butter and brown sugar is thin and crispy. Paired with a scoop of their house made vanilla ice cream for a comfort finishing.

Meringue Glacee 3.5/5

On a sweet note, there is the Meringue Glacee ($12) that come with a scoop each of the house made raspberry sorbet and vanilla ice cream, topped with baked meringue cones and pistachio.

The re-opening of the Shelter in the Woods with its new chef and revamped menu definitely made a return with a louder bang. Combining the chef vast experience and rustic tradition, it has bring the restaurant to a new height. The extensive menu is really worth a visit or two and everything on it is worthy for recommendation. It definitely falls into one of favourite restaurants his year that I would want to return to check out the rest of the menu.


Shelter in the Woods 
22 Greenwood Avenue
Singapore 289218
Tel: +65 64666225
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShelterInTheWoods
Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6pm - 10pm
Sun Brunch: 1130am - 230pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tan Kah Kee MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to Exit B. Walk straigh to Hillcrest Road. Turn right onto Hillcrest Road. Walk down Hillcrest Road and make a left into Greenwood Avenue. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

My Little Spanish Place @ Bukit Timah Road

Priding themselves as having the most complete Jamon Bar in Singapore, it was really quite a sight with the different types of cured ham being displayed at My Little Spanish Place along Bukit Timah Road. Founded by Chef Maria Sevillano and co-helmed by Chef Edward Esmero, the restaurant has a very homely feel. The whole decor and ambience make one feels like they are being transported to a home style restaurant in Spain.

Torrada de Esparragos 4/5

With such a great selection of Jamon, it is fitting that the chefs showcase them in a specially designed HAM-Made Brunch. We started our brunch with the Torrada de Esparragos ($20), grilled asparagus with Jamon and fried farm eggs on toasted country bread. I enjoyed how the rich creamy texture complemented the egg and bread.

Coca de Cebolla con Pimientos Y Anchoas 4/5

Chef Edward describes the Coca de Cebolla con Pimientos Y Anchoas ($24) as his hangover food. I think he is too humble. The traditional Catalan flatbread toasted with caramelized onions, roasted peppers, anchovies and Manchego cheese was very delectable with medley of flavours playing on the palate.

Bocadillo de Cerdo Desmenuzado 4.2/5

Lastly we tried the Bocadillo de Cerdo Desmenuzado ($16). The crispy and spongy baguette is sandwiched with Spanish braised pulled pork, sliced tomatoes and cucumber. The pulled pork was not only flavourful but tender and succulent. Special mention to the garlic aioli that is freshly made daily and goes very well with the fries.

Crema Catalana 3.8/5 and Almond Ice Cream 4.2/5

I was already feeling quite full after the lovely brunch but the chef was very kind to offer us dessert. The flavour of the orange and lemon infused Crema Catalana was nicely balanced but it lacked that crackling burnt caramelized crust. After having the Almond Ice Cream, I regretted telling the chef I was too full for dessert. I hoped he could give me a whole tub of the almond ice cream. It was so good.

The restaurant was full house during my visit on Saturday for brunch. If you are interested to check out the brunch on weekend, it is advised to make advance reservation. I understand the chef will also rotate the brunch menu quarterly. There is more reason for me to go back again.


My Little Spanish Place
619 Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 269720
Tel: +65 64632810
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Little-Spanish-Place/351057551236
Website: http://www.mylittlespanishplace.com.sg/index.php
Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 630pm - 11pm
Sat-Sun: 930am - 3pm, 630pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tan Kah Kee MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right onto Bukit Timah Road. Walk down Bukit Timah Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

The Missing Pan @ Bukit Timah Road

Located along the stretch of shop houses beside Coronation Shopping Plaza along Bukit Timah, five month old The Missing Pan is opened by the defunct Uppercrust. The 2 storey establishment welcomes patron with an organic bakery on the first floor with a bright and cheery brasserie on the second.

Bircher Muesli 4/5

The weekend brunch at The Missing Pan begun with the In House Bircher Mesli ($10) made up of yoghurt, muesli, granny smith, puffed brown rice, oats, maple syrup, nuts and cinnamon. An extremely smooth muesli to kick start the weekend.

French Toast Salpicon 4.2/5

This is not your ordinary french toast. The French Toast Salpicon ($19) not only was huge but it was stuffed with chunks of chicken, spinach and mushrooms. In additional it was served in a colorful presentation of banana nuggets, mixed berries and strawberry. The interesting sweet and savoury combination surprisingly worked beautifully on the palate. Drizzled the french toast with the smoked maple syrup to add a hint of smokiness to the whole enjoyment.

62 Degree Eggs Benedict 4.2/5

Brimming with sunshine, the 62 Degree Eggs Benedict ($22) is cooked to perfection. Together with the smoked salmon, avocado and seaweed crumbs, they are rested on the homemade sourdough freshly made from the bakery itself.

Guinness Pot Pie 4/5

Dig into the Guinness Pot Pie ($24) to indulge in a hearty beef stew that was cooked to fork tender and topped with flaky puffed pastry.

Mela Con Formaggi 4/5

Not only is the MeLa Con Formaggi ($14) beautiful in sight but lovely on the palate. The plate of granny smith apples, banana caramel sauce, chocolate soil, citrus, mascarpone, parmigiano reggiano chips and homemade honeycomb is another showcase of the chef's skillful combination of sweet and savoury in a dish.

Chewy Brownie Coffee Cheesecake 4/5

From the bakery downstair, the Chewy Brownie Coffee Cheesecake ($7.20) is a dual layered confection with creamy cheesecake on top and a rich and chewy chocolate brownie base. It went well with a cup of coffee brewed from a special blend customised by a local coffee roaster. The coffee is smooth with slight chocolatey undertones.

The Missing Pan is an all day bakery and brasserie that prides on serving up food that is good to eat, share and enjoy. The 2 storey shophouse offers freshly baked, organic artisanal breads for dine-in and takeway on level one and refreshingly imaginative, modern cuisine on its upper floor.


The Missing Pan
619D Bukit Timah Road
#01/02-01
Singapore 269724
Tel: +65 64664377
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/missingpan
Website: http://www.themissingpan.com
Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 9am - 230pm, 6pm - 9pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 4pm, 6pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tan Kah Kee MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right onto Bukit Timah Road. Walk down Bukit Timah Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]