Emporium Shokuhin @ Marina Square Shopping Mall

Emporium Shokuhin, at Level 1 of the new lifestyle & dining wing of Marina Square, is the first Japanese emporium in Singapore. With a sheer size of 34,000 sq ft space, it houses a Japanese gourmet grocer with live seafood market, Beef dry-aging facility and 8 dining concepts. The dining concepts range from mid-range to high-end Japanese Dining, catering to both the prestige and the mass.

The On-site beef dry-aging facility, being the first customised facility in Singapore that ages beef onsite for retail, stands out like a showpiece. Even if high-end restaurants do offer, they only do it in house for their diners, not retail purposes. With all the flavours and moisture sealed and packed across a period of weeks, it’s no surprise that orders are already coming in from the consumers.

Adjacent is the Live seafood market. With 22 specially-designed seawater tanks, it is able to provide 20 types of live fish & shell fish, and up to 10 live oyster varietals from countries like France, USA & Canada which available for on-the-spot consumption or shucked and packed for takeaway.

If you are keen to test the freshness and quality of their items, you can choose from the 8 different dining concepts. Be it high-end or mid-range, they use ingredients and food items sourced for and brought in exclusively by Emporium Shokuhin.

1. SENMI SUSHI
This mid range sushi bar that offers fresh sushi and sashimi at a very competitive pricing. The recommended dishes are Giant Chirashi ($34), which has eight kinds of seafood such as salmon and maguro, as well as their California-style maki.

2. BUROSU HONTEN
The 60-seat restaurant's signature item is its Ultimate Ramen ($17.80), where the soup is a blend of tonkotsupork bone broth and broth made from simmering crab and prawn shells for hours. Noodles used are the straight Hakata-style ramen. This place is great for solo diners as ramen is served from behind a screen, as what you will find in Japan.

3. UMI + VINO
For special occasions, 70-seat seafood and wine bar allows you to try their freshly shucked oysters (what you have seen at the emporium) or seafood platters along with fine wines and sake. The signature Umipremium seafood platter (for two to three people, above) costs $118 and includes Boston lobster, dungeness crab, oysters, mussels, prawns and clams. The seafood can also be cooked a la plancha-on a hot grill.

4. TSUKERU
The smell that diffused from this shabu shabu outlet sent me salivating. You get to indulge in your own hotpot of soul warming soup, with choices between local-style soup bases such as tom yum, bakkuttehand tomato, or Japanese ones such as konbushoyu, miso and tonkotsu.

5. GYUU+
This 106-seat grill-restaurant specialises in premium meats and dry-aged beef. Do not miss the premium Miyazaki A5 beef slices, priced between $18 and $38 for 100g, depending on the cut. We were lucky enough to try this out today.

6. TAKUJO
A high end restaurant that serves a range of premium sashimi, as well as omakase meals (from $138 a person). Their Sashimi Tairyo (for six people at $360) includes tuna belly, amberjack (kanpachi), prawn and flounder. You can also pick seafood from the seafood trolley, which will showcase the freshest catch such as Alaskan King Crab and oysters. For such a premium pricing, however, I would prefer to dine at a place that is more private and conducive.

7. KOHI-KOJI
A Japanese bakery-café that welcomes you as you enter. They have a small selection of salads (from $5.80) and sandwiches (from $8.80) is available for takeaway. The baking is done off-site in a kitchen next to it, which explains the lack of aroma in the place. I feel it needs a bit of the usual bakery aroma to make this place more enticing.

8. READY-TO-EAT
The ready-to-eat section has takeaway meals such as bentos, salads and sushi platters -priced between $5 and $10.

As mentioned, we got the chance to review Gyuu+, where we get to try their award-winning Miyazaki beef along with other premium meat cuts. I learnt that for the past 10 years, Miyazaki has produced the highest quality beef in Japan, even higher than Kobe. That explains the incredible texture of both A5 Miyazaki Jo Karubi ($38++) Yakiniku Cut and A5 Miyazaki Zabuton ($38++) Thin Slice. I prefer the Yakiniku style to the thin cut version for its bouncier texture, and I love how its delicate beefy flavour developed and spread in my mouth gradually.

After trying A5 Miyazaki, the rest became more like a substitute. However, to be fair, the rest of the meats are of good grades as well. The USDA Prime Ribeye ($28++) is great for diners who are looking for something meatier, but still having that melt-in-your-mouth experience. Beef Yukae ($18++) is also a testament of their quality. Considering that it is beef, both the texture and taste were amazingly light and subtle. Not too bad for my first time raw beef experience.

For non-beef diners, not to worry. Their pork, seafood and even vegetables are just as worth trying. Their Pork Belly ($15++) and Prawns ($13++) are pretty safe bet. To balance your meal, I would recommend having some of their juicy Eringi Mushroom ($7++).

Ishiyaki Bimbimbap ($16++) is a decent dish if you want to have some carbs. However, it is not a dish that I would go for if I want taste the real flavour and quality of the beef.

With the emporium right outside the restaurants, marketing will be the next best thing to do after a full meal. Most of you may be more familiar with products from places like Tokyo, Hokkaido, Sapporo etc, those commonly found in supermarkets. However, Emporium Shokuhin brings in Ehime prefecture’s specialties instead of the usual ones. Hence do remember to keep an eye out for it when you come by here for some decadent food and snacks!

Photograph and 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.


Emporium Shokuhin
Marina Square Shopping Mall
6 Raffles Boulevard
#01-18
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 62243433
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 830am - 9pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take exit B. Walk to Marina Square via Marina Square Link. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 8 mins. [Map]

La Patisserie au Sofitel @ Sofitel So Hotel Singapore

Antoinette has now ventured into the Central Business District (CBD) area with the opening of La Patisserie au Sofitel at Sofitel So Hotel Singapore. Patrons can find an amazing selection of French viennoiserie, featuring more than 20 different pastries. In addition, the entire range of Antoinette cakes will be available here, as well as their macarons, chocolates, confectionery and jams.

Pure Butter Croissant 4.2/5

Pure Butter Croissant 4.2/5

Love the multi-layered Pure Butter Croissant ($2.50) which has a flaky exterior and soft interior that comes with a rich buttery taste. The size of the croissant is consider quite huge too.

Kouglof 4/5

The Kouglof ($4) which is baked in ceramic mould is dusted with vanilla and coated with sugar. I personally find it like stollen but with a nice smokey burnt butter flavour.

Hazelnut Swirl 4.2/5

The Hazelnut Swirl is one of my favourite. Not only does it has the buttery soft texture like the croissant, it boasts an additional nutty and crunchy enjoyment.

Bostock 3.5/5

A rarely seen viennoiserie is the Bostock ($3), a twice baked pastry. The brioche is soaked in rum syrup and baked again in a tube form. I am not a big fan of rum, great that this is not too rich in alcohol content. What I like about it, is the exterior burnt crust. The bitterness actually complement quite well with the rum soaked brioche.

Pear Danish 3.50

A star item at La Patisserie au Sofitel is the star shaped like Pear Danish ($3.50). This is more complex with a more dimensional enjoyment, topped with almond crumble.

Satay Swirl 3/5

Paying homage to the vibrant and popular satay street of Lau Par Sat, which is just adjacent to Sofitel So, Chef Pang created a new and original Singapore inspired viennoiserie to mark the launch of La Patisserie au Sofitel. Quite similar to the hazelnut swirl, the Satay Swirl ($3.50) comes with hints of sambal spiciness. However it does not really have any association to the familiar satay flavour.

Besides the 20 over pastries at La Patisserie au Sofitel, the entire range of Antoinette cakes are also available here. More choices and more reasons to drop by La Patisserie au Sofitel.

Located at the hotel lobby, the patisserie offers a sitting space for about 50 pax. Birthday cake is also available for pre-order. It will be a good consideration to get a cake for your colleague's next birthday.


La Patisserie au Sofitel
Sofitel So Hotel Singapore
35 Robinson Road
Singapore 068876
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit I. Walk to Robinson Road. Turn left onto Robinson Road and walk towards Lau Pa Sat. Continue walking down Robinson Road to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit F. Turn left onto Robinsion Road. Cross the road and walk down Robinson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Cross Street. At the junction of Cross Street and Robinson Street, cross the road and turn right onto Robinson Street. Walk towards Lau Pa Sat and continue to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Maple & Market @ Cassia Crescent

Lately we have seen many cafes opening in the suburbs of Singapore probably due to the lower rental and bring their offering nearer to the heartlands. Maple & Market is one such pioneer cafes that has started the humble business in the heartland before the so called local cafe culture boom. Maple & Market also conducts baking classes and I understand it even supplies their bakes to some cafes.

Latte 4/5

Latte ($4.50) is my usual caffeine order whenever I visit any cafe. I am not sure which blend or beans they used but I did enjoy the cup of coffee. I can't drink too acidic coffee so this was alright with the right smoothness and still came with a nice body that was not too strong.

Gula Melaka Cake 3.8/5

One of the signature cakes at Maple & Market is their Gula Melaka Cake ($5.50). I have yet to seen this being made elsewhere. It is an interesting localised combination of kaya cream cheese frosting, almond brittle and grated coconut shaving. It was a good cake that comes with different layers and moist. However it seems to be lacking the characteristic taste of gula melaka.

Bacon Maple Cupcake 4/5

Many of you know that I am not a fan of sweet and savoury combination so I was not really excited with the Bacon Maple Cupcake ($3.50). Even though so, I did take a couple of bites and I thought it was quite good especially the candied bacon. It tasted like bak kwa.

Caramelised Bananas, Homemade Caramel and Walnuts Waffle 4/5

Last but not least, I tried the Caramelised Bananas, Homemade and Walnuts Waffle ($9). Pretty good waffle that was freshly made on the spot. It was crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.

While the focus of Maple & Market is their bakes, the little bakery has been done up into a cosy little cafe with limited seats. The smell of coffee and butter filled the air as you step into the little white heaven. I would recommend trying one of the bakes that is beautifully displayed at the counter.


[MOVED]
Maple & Market 
34 Cassia Crescent
#01-82
Singapore 390034
Tel: +65 63488068
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mapleandmarket
Nearest MRT: Mountbatten (CC Line), Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Fri: 12pm - 630pm
Sat: 1030am - 10pm
Sun: 10am - 9pm
(Closed on Tues)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Mountbatten MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut through the housing estate towards block 1. Walk towards Pine Lane. Cross the road and cut through the housing estate again towards block 34. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Old Airport Food Centre. Turn right onto Cassia Link. Then turn left onto Pine Lane. Make a right onto Cassia Crescent and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Tien Kee & Co Cafe @ Dakota Crescent

Among all the cafes that has opened up around various part of Singapore, Tian Kee & Co Cafe is probably one of the hipsters of them. Converted from a 54 years old provision shop in one of the oldest neighbourhood, the converted artisan cafe comes in rusty metal gate with air conditioning. The owner has even chosen to retain the original provision shop's name as well as the iconic blue signboard.

Pink Lady 3/5 and SNAG 3/5

There is a interesting drinks on the menu such as the Pink Lady ($5) and SNAG ($5.50)/ This is something you don't get to see in other artisan cafe. The pink lady is rose syrup with steamed fresh milk, or in my own interpretation hot bandung drink. SNAG on the other hand is espresso and rose syrup with steamed fresh milk. I was told to appreciate the different layers first before mixing the drink up for anther different enjoyment. The two drinks are definitely an interesting playful addition but it will be subjective to individual's liking.

Yuan Yang Cheesecake 3/5

I ordered a slice of their Yuan Yang Cheesecake ($6.50) which is actually made up of a layer of espresso and another layer of Hong Kong style milk tea. Interesting take of the tradition but I could not really taste the distinct character it intended to portray.

Caffe Latte 4/5

Can't complain much about the Caffe Latte ($5) because they are using one of roaster's coffee beans. The coffee beans Tien Kee used is from Dutch Colony. I am not sure whether they have changed it by the time of the post as the owner did share with me that he plans to try out other roasters.

There is definitely a rustic vibe at Tien Kee & Co however I felt that the missing link is their food. This is further confirmed after coming across several reviews about the food at the hipster cafe. I random idea came to mind while drafting this post. Instead of selling the usual bakes, pastries and western breakfast, Tien Kee may want to consider selling Chinese style fried beehoon with choices of luncheon meat, egg, chicken wings and/or some Chinese traditional kuehs. I thought that will be pretty cool, unique and fits their whole Chinese provision shop setting.


Tien Kee & Co
Blk 12 Dakota Crescent
#01-48
Singapore 390012
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiankeedakotacrescent
Nearest MRT: Mountbattan (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 12pm - 9pm
Sat-Sun: 10am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Mountbattan MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Ugly Cake Shop + The Accessory Report

I was invited to a very interesting event organised by Ugly Cake Shop and The Accessory Report at Working Title pairing Bakes and Bling. To be frank, I could not visualize what am I walking into when I accepted the invite. It is probably the very first collaboration when a bakery and accessories. Even not, it is definitely a first for me.

I have been a fan of Ugly Cake since a couple of years back when the owner Lisa was still a home baker. To focus on her bakes, she has since quit her corporate job and concentrate in her baking at her licensed central kitchen at Ang Mo Kio. Now her bakes are available at various pop-up stores at Pasar Bella and other events. She has also started supplying her yummy bakes to a couple of cafes.

Another interesting thing about Ugly Cake Shop is their is a story behind each and every cupcakes and cakes. They are all named after someone that is part of her life. Among her different cupcakes flavours, my all time favourite is Sally (Peanut Butter) and Big Daddy (Nutella & Valrhona).

Taking the opportunity, I managed to sample some of the new flavours such as Melissa (Strawberry, Rum & Dark Chocolate), Zesty Zee Lemon and Juliana (Salted Caramel).

Ugly Cake Shop used to only bake cupcakes but now they have expanded their bakes to include cakes. If you are interested to order the cakes, you can find out more from their website.

Ugly Cake Shop isn't ugly at all right? Look how beautiful the cupcakes and cakes are. The beautiful accessories from The Accessory Report even made them more standout. I am sure it will look as good on the ladies and made them standout.

If you are interested in either the bakes from Ugly Cake Shop or the accessories from The Accessory Report do check out their respective websites.

Ugly Cake Shop 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UglyCakeShop
Website: http://www.uglycakeshop.sg/

The Accessory Report
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theaccessoryrep
Website: http://www.theaccessoryreport.com/

Whale & Cloud (鲸舆雲) @ Niven Road (Selegie)

The words have been out and soon this little hidden cafe at Selegie will no longer be a secret. Whale & Cloud (鲸舆雲) is a cafe located at Niven Road. To be exact, the entrance is at the back of the shop house, access via the back alley. The door is usually locked, so you have to knock on the door. Is she trying to be secretive? Well I felt it is more for safety reason since she runs the place herself and being at the back alley, there is some element of danger.

The lady owner has rented the backyard of the office and converted it into a small cafe which only opens during weekend when she is free from her sales and marketing job in a technology start up company. In fact the front of the cafe is the office where she holds her day job.

The sight of the unfinished red wall, potted plants hanging down from the ceiling and a platoon of Bearbricks toy collection welcome me when I stepped into the little cafe. This place is so beautiful. It felt like I have been transformed into her own little wonderland.

The lovely cafe is really small with 2 small tables and a row of old Cathay cinema chairs. The little cafe probably can sit about 12 people at max. The center of the cafe is where the daily freshly bakes are being displayed.

There is something about this cafe that makes you feel at ease and in a way forget about the world beyond the blue metal door. Time and pace seems to slow down in the small little space. The soft spoken and gracious lady owner, the lady owner goes about asking the customers what she can get for them and offering her fresh bakes. The whole atmosphere and ambience felt as if I am at home or visiting a friend's kitchen.

Currently the coffee at Whale & Cloud is served in paper cups. The lady owner shared with me that she is currently using Omotesando Koffee beans from Japan. These beans are brought during her recent Japan trip. The coffee beans used at the cafe will depends on her oversea trip, so do look forward to sample different type of coffee beans from various part of the world when she returns from her next trip. A little cup of old school biscuits will be also served together with the coffee.

Carrot Cake 4/5

Actually I came from a lunch tasting so I was actually quite full but when the owner offered me a slice of the homemade carrot cake to try, I simply could not reject her. I like the fact that the carrot cake is dense, moist, nutty and mildly spiced. I am not a big fan of cinnamon hence I enjoyed this version at Whale & Cloud. In fact I finished the whole slice.

Whale & Cloud operates on a trust concept. There is no menu or price for their offerings. You simply pay what you want before leaving.

If you wish to check out this little secret cafe in Selegie, please follow them on instagram @whalencloud as their operating hours are irregular and only open on weekends.

Updated: Whale & Cloud actually has three owners. During the visit of my post, the other 2 owners were not around. Whale & Cloud has also started to get their bakes from Kisses Bakery. Each slice is priced at $5. For the coffee, it is still pay per what you like.

Updated 2: Now bakes and coffee are fixed price.


Whale & Cloud  (鲸舆雲)
48 Niven Road
Singapore 228396
Nearest MRT: Little India (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sat Only: 9am - 4pm
(Do check their instagram for actual opening hours even on Sat)

Direction:
1) Alight at Little India MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across the carpark and walk to Rex Cinema at Mackenzie Road. Cross the road to Niven Road. Instead of going down Niven Road, go to the back alley of the shop houses beside the hostel. Walk down the alley to destination. Journey about 5 minutes. [Map]