KARA Cafe & Dessert Bar @ Bukit Timah Road - Launched New Breakfast Menu With Delectable Twist To Traditional Morning Favourites

Nestled in the beautiful lush green neighbourhood of Bukit Timah, KARA Cafe & Dessert Bar is an upscale independent café serving eclectic ‘all-day dining’ hearty comfort food. Available from Friday to Monday, 8am to 11:30am, their new breakfast menu features a variety of savoury and sweet traditional morning favourites, carefully curated and integrated to bring out the best tastes, drawing the essence from ingredients across cultures.

They have also recently expanded the section on the second floor, which used to be the private two-storey events loft space. The exclusive extended dining area can accommodate more people with ample room for social distancing yet still maintain an intimate community feel with its cosy seating and warm surroundings. Customers can enjoy their hearty meals in a bright sun-lit interior overlooking the tree-lined sidewalk through tall glassy windows.

Big Brekkie Waffle Plate 4/5

The Big Brekkie Waffle Plate ($22) is a hearty rendition of the classic American Big Breakfast with corn waffles, grilled sausage, crispy bacon, sautéed mushroom, soft scrambled eggs, and roasted tomato with a side of healthy greens.

Avocado Open Face Sandwich 4.2/5

Another staple in the breakfast menu is the Avocado Open Face Sandwich ($18.50). The sourdough bread is crisped to perfection and smothered with melted cheese and avocado before being topped with a fried sunny-side-up egg and sprinkling of kale chips.

Kaya Butter French Toast 4/5

For desserts, we had their Kaya Butter French Toast ($14), which is inspired by the traditional Singapore breakfast food of kaya toast. The gorgeous dish features fragrant pandan bread dusted generously with toasted coconut flakes, capped with seasonal fresh fruits and edible flowers.

Okonomiyaki Truffe Tots 4/5

We also had a side of their signature Okonomiyaki Truffle Tots ($12) which comes in a generous portion of crispy tater tots doused in an umami okonomiyaki sauce.

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.


Kara Cafe & Dessert Bar By Sogurt
617 Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 269718
Tel: +65 64688940
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 1030am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tan Kah Kee MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Bukit Timah Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Golden Peony @ Conrad Centennial Singapore - Curate Your Own Dining Experience

Golden Peony at Conrad Centennial Singapore has launched a new menu which allows you to craft your own 5-course lunch and 6-course dinner with interchangeable dishes at each course. Priced at $48 and $68 respectively, there are also options to switch up the dining experience with a minimal price top-up for more premium ingredients such as lobster and abalone.

We started off with a platter of small bites consisting ‘London’ Duck Pancake Roll and Chili Crab Meat Swan Pastry. The 2 individual slices of London Duck allowed me to savour their flavourful fats without any distraction. The pancake roll that comes with a piece of crispy beancurd skin rides on its contrasting meaty texture for a satisfying bite. The Swan Pastry was similar to a fried yam puff, with chilli crab meat replacing the usual minced pork, and had a notable crisp and airy exterior.

The second course is a nourishing Double-boiled Baby Abalone Soup with sea whelk, conpoy, bamboo pith, served in a golden mini pumpkin.

For our third course Fish, we had Steamed Sea Perch (+$8), served with preserved capsicum chilli. The fish on its own was really tasty- it was firm, mildly sweet and almost buttery-like a cod. I didn't find the sauce an ideal choice for the fish though.

Up next was Poultry/Meat and we had Baked Kurobuta Pork Homemade Signature X.O. Sauce, wrapped with Parma Ham. The meat was succulent and tender, but what was strongly lacking I find was a good sear on both sides to render its fats and impart a depth of smoky flavour to the meat. The Parma Ham would have served its purpose better in flavouring the meat if it was given enough heat to crisp up more.

For Rice/Noodle, Stewed Half Lobster (+$18) was served in egg gravy, accompanied by a crispy egg noodle ball. If you enjoy Cantonese Seafood Yee Mee, this will definitely be up your alley - The lobster was at the right doneness, and the crispy egg noodle strands provided much aromatic crunch to every bite. The egg gravy was light but flavoursome, which was one of the keys to making this dish so delightful.

Summing up our meal is Chilled Cream of Avocado and Vanilla Ice Cream served with cute little heart-shaped red bean and coconut pudding. The different flavours synced well with one another, and the sweetness was just right.

Written 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.


Golden Peony
Conrad Centennial Singapore
2 Temasek Boulevard
Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 64327482
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sun: 1030am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit B. Continue walking along Temasek Avenue to destination Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Raffles Courtyard @ Raffles Hotel - Newly-launched Weekend Brunch Menu With Asian And Western Delights

Raffles Courtyard at Raffles Hotel now presents a new weekend brunch menu to include both Asian and Western delights, as well as healthy beverages to fuel you for the rest of the week.

Antipasti 3/5

If you are reaching out for some bubbly or wines, the Antipasti ($58) would be ideal for 3 to 4 pax. It comes with an Anchovy spread, selection of Cold Cuts, Smoked Salmon, Marinated Vegetables, some cheeses and a couple of raisins. The Anchovy spread was really yummy, and to appreciate its flavours, simply spread it onto the breads that is served with the antipasti. The bunch of raisins was abit awkward on the plate, a handful more dried fruits would definitely help to make this platter more complete.

Avocado Tartine 2.8/5 

You can go for ala carte or create your own Courtyard Brunch ($28) which will provide you with a Main Course, a Cold Beverage and a Hot Beverage. For Main Course, I had a Tartine from the Heartier Options category, that is to be topped with Avocado Hash, Guacamole, Toasted Pine Nuts, Rocket and Parmesan Cheese (ala carte $22). Although this dashed my hopes of a creamy, satisfying avocado toast luxe for carrying only a thin spread of Guacamole and heaps of rocket, the refreshing bitter greens that was beautifully salted, in combination with the toasty pine nuts, was very much enjoyable.

For beverages, there are some interesting choices for juices, customisable smoothie and teas.

Kaya Toast Set 3.5/5 

From the Asian Delights, the Kaya Toast Set delights with its thick slices of butter and mellow sweet kaya. I hope the toasting of the bread can be improved over time, as mine felt like it needed a minute more. It comes with traditional kopi or teh.

Popular local items such as Nasi Lemak and Mee Goreng are also available, as well as the quintessential egg-centric dishes which can be found in the Protein category.

The weekend brunch is served on weekends from 930am to 3pm.

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.


Raffles Courtyard
Raffles Hotel
328 North Bridge Rd
Singapore 188719
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 3pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 930am -10pm

Direction:

1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road. Cross the road. Walk down North Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

The English House By Marco Pierre White @ Mohamed Sultan Road - Launches New Weekend Breakfast Menu With Comfort Classical English Fare

An elegant colonial-style restaurant nestled along Mohammad Sultan Road, The English House by Marco Pierre White adjoins two beautiful restored shophouses and serves up traditional English fare. Helmed by British celebrity chef Marco Pierre White, the English House is his first restaurant in Asia. Who you may ask is Marco Pierre White? The first and youngest British chef to be awarded Three Michelin Stars at age 32. He has also trained famous chefs such as Mario Batali and Gordon Ramsay.

The restaurant may be easily missed due to the surrounding lush foliage and lack of signage - we initially mistook it for a private residence. Head up the flight of stairs past the greenery, and step into the 19th-century building - you'd feel like you've entered another dimension back in time. The gorgeous space is decked in a colonial English chic and local-inspired touches, furnished with round marble-top tables and wooden chairs, while knick-knacks and antiques from England fill up the corners. The spacious restaurant can accommodate up to 150 diners and consists of three main dining sections with a private room.

Classic Eggs Benedict 4.2/5

One of their popular breakfast dishes is the Classic Eggs Benedict ($20) with perfectly oozy golden egg yolk, slathered in a rich hollandaise sauce atop Wiltshire ham. It turned out to be my favourite too.

Traditional Full English Breakfast 4/5

The English House has done their version of the iconic English breakfast well with the Traditional Full English Breakfast ($25). The hearty dish features breakfast essentials of a sunny-side-up, crispy toast, sausages, mushroom, bacon, a juicy tomato and fluffy crumpet. With each component executed excellently, it is perfect for if you desire a satisfying plate of comfort food on a lazy weekend morning.

Crushed Avocado with Coriander on Toast 4/5

The Crushed Avocado with Coriander on Toast ($18) features a generous portion of creamy avocado which pairs perfectly with the oozy golden yolk. A well-executed yet straightforward dish, it is a must-order if you’re a great fan of avocado.

The recently launched Weekend Breakfast Menu is available from 8.30am - 2pm on Saturdays, and 8.30am - 11am on Sundays.

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 English House by Marco Pierre White
28 Mohamed Sultan Rd
Singapore 238972
Facebook
Website
Tel: +65 65454055/ 90213170
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 530 - 11pm
Sat: 830am - 11am, 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sun: 830am - 11am, 1130am - 8pm
(Closed on Mon)

Directions: 
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down River Valley Road to Mohammed Sultan Road. Turn left onto Mohammed Sultan Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

The Lobby Lounge @ InterContinental Singapore - Launches New Classic Afternoon Tea: The Orchard

This season, InterContinental Singapore launches new classic afternoon tea: The Orchard at The Lobby Lounge, available from 1 April 2019 to 31 July 2019. In collaboration between Executive Pastry Chef Ben Goh and RaviFruit's Executive Pastry Chef Jean-Francois Devineau, diners get to indulge in the 13 exclusive creations specially crafted by the two chefs, inspired by fruits from around the world.

The variety of luscious savoury treats and sweets infused with seasonal fruit flavourings are showcased in elegant gold-rimmed cases and a two-tiered stand reminiscent of terrariums.

Sweets crafted by Chef Ben Goh include the Chocolate Cone with Strawberry Beetroot Cream, Mandarin Orange Crémeaux and Carrot Jelly, Apple Milk Chocolate Mousse with Rhubarb Compote, and Ruby Peace and Yuzu Praline.

Sweets crafted by RaviFruits' Executive Pastry Chef Jean Francois Devineau include the Mango, Passionfruit and Coconut Cream Verrine, Morello Cherry and Pistachio Tart, Cake Roll with Blueberry Compote and Raspberry Yoghurt, as well as Caramel Orange Scone & English Scones with homemade peach jam, strawberry jam and clotted cream.

Some of my favourites from the afternoon tea were the sweets which feature a combination of fruit and vegetable, such as the Mandarin Orange Crémeaux & Carrot Jelly, and Chocolate Cone with Strawberry Beetroot Cream. The Caramel Orange and English Scones are best enjoyed with the homemade fruit jams, clotted cream and a pot of tea/coffee.

The repertoire of fruity sweets extends into the savoury treats as well. Relish in the Andalusian Gazpacho, Smoked Chicken Mousse, Chestnuts and Walnuts Tart, Smoked Salmon Sandwich, Brie Cheese, Chives and Horseradish Cream, Prawn with Avocado and Grapefruit Emulsion, Tuna with Risotto and Coconut-lime Dressing, as well as the Ratatouille Quiche.

Begin with the Andalusian Gazpacho, which is a cool and refreshing starter

One of the highlights is the Tuna with Risotto which comes in a bite-sized risotto piece. The pearly grains of rice has a rich and creamy consistency, leaning on the softer side of al dente, while the coconut-lime dressing gave a lift in its flavours.

The Prawn with Avocado and Grapefruit Emulsion is an interesting combination with the fresh, juicy prawns, creamy avocado, and a subtle sweetness from the grapefruit emulsion. Complete the experience with unlimited servings of a la minute crepes and ice cream, or a flute of Taittinger Brut Champagne, perfect for an indulgent afternoon.

Classic Afternoon Tea: The Orchard is available at The Lobby Lounge from 1st April 2019 to 31st July 2019, from 2pm to 5pm daily. The set is priced at:$78++ for two guests, inclusive of a fine selection of loose-leaf teas and coffee, $108++ for two guests, inclusive of two flutes of Taittinger Brut Champagne, and a fine selection of loose-leaf teas and coffee. For reservations, please visit TheLobbyLounge.sg, email InterContinental.Dining@ihg.com, or call +65 6825 1008. >

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]

One-Ninety @ Four Seasons Hotel Singapore - A Botanical Inspired Modern Asian Brasserie

One-Ninety at Four seasons Hotel Singapore has finally reopened after its renovation with a refreshed botanical interior. With the transformation, the menu has also been infused with Asian twist on wholesome Provencal cuisine.

Leading the kitchen is Chef Kamarl John previously from Four Seasons London at Ten Trinity Square and Adrift Singapore.

Artisan Sourdough with Seaweed Butter 4/5

Freshly baked daily is the Artisan Sourdough with Seaweed Butter. The flour used for the bread is specially sourced from Hokkaido Japan which is grounded by hand and blended to the restaurant's specification.

Seasonal Seafood Tower 3.5/5

New on the menu is the Seasonal Seafood Tower ($78). The 3-tier tower consists of seafood such as the maine lobster, king crab, mussels, spanner crab, scallops, prawns and tuna. The chef has also specially concocted calamansi aioli and young ginger vinaigrette sauces to go with fresh seafood.
During the promotional period until end of June 2019, you can enjoy 25% off the tower of seafood.

Lobster and Prawn Toast 4.2/5

The Lobster and Prawn Toast with Spicy Tobiko ($8) surprisingly won our hearts with its rich flavour from the lobster and prawn filling, sandwiched in a crispy pillowy toast.

Beef & Caviar, Dijon Emulsion 4/5

The bite size Beef & Caviar, Dijon Emulsion ($18 for 3pc) features wagyu beef tartare seasoned with Dijon emulsion and crowned with Ossetra Prestige caviar.

Avocado Salad 4.2/5

For those looking for a healthier choice, there is the Avocado Salad ($18) with mixed baby cresses and miso dressing. I appreciate the chunky and generous portion of avocado, enliven by the miso dressing. The addition of the roasted Japanese wild rice provided the texture contrast, complementing the whole enjoyment.

Snapper Bouillabaisse 4.2/5

The traditional Provencal fish stew is given an Asian twist in the Snapper Bouillabaisse ($36). The whole snapper fillet comes in a robust seafood based broth, together with clams, mussels, prawns. The used of spicy daikon and lemon grass provided the Asian influence with a hint of citrusy finish.

Iberico Pork Presa 4/5

I was a little surprise when I sighted the pinkish medium rare doneness of the Iberico Pork Presa ($42). Apparently the presa is a specialized muscle within the shoulder, also known as the wagyu of pork. Accordingly to the chef, medium rare is the best way to appreciate the tender, juicy and flavourful cut. This is complemented by the celeriac puree and pineapple chutney spiced with star anise.

Chargrilled Forty Day Aged Rib Chop, MBS 6+, 1.2kg 4.5/5

The highlight for the dinner goes to the Chargrilled Forty Day Aged Rib Chop, MBS 6+, 1.2kg ($188). Cooked to a beautiful pink in the middle with crusty charred edges, the dry aged beef is full of flavour. It also comes with a choice of sides such as Black Truffle Fries, Wok Fried Asian Greens and Wild Mushroom.

If you complete your diner experience with the dessert and cheese buffet for a top up of $28 per person. The cheese selection is not very extensive but you will not want to miss out the delicious local kuehs, cakes and pastries.

In conjunction with its re-opening, One-Ninety is offering 25% off dinner daily, as well as the Seasonal Seafood Tower for both lunch and dinner up to end of June. You can also enjoy free corkage on any alcoholic beverage that you bring along when you dine in a party of 8 or more persons for dinner.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


One-Ninety Restaurant
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Ground Floor
190 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore 248646
Tel: +65 68317250
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Continue walking along Orchard Road. Walk to Hilton Hotel. Go to level 2. Follow the passage way to Four Seasons Hotel. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 12 minutes. [Map]