Lucine by LUNA @ Somerset - Popular Cafe With Intricate Entremets Now Serve Hot Savouries

Lucine by LUNA, the new cafe opened by the popular homegrown patisserie LUNA, has made its debut at 111 Somerset, offering an expanded menu that includes exclusive hot savouries and unique flavoured lattes.

Much like their flagship on Amoy Street, Lucine continues to serve the intricately crafted cakes and pastries that have made LUNA a favourite among dessert lovers and cafe-goers.

Tiramisu Latte 4.2/5

The Tiramisu Latte ($8.50) is a standout on the drink menu, which pleasantly surprised us with its balanced sweetness. Unlike many overly sweet-flavoured lattes, this one was creamy and came with a ladyfinger for dipping into the latte.

Black Sesame Latte 4/5

We also tried the Black Sesame Latte ($8.50) but felt that the black sesame flavour could have been more pronounced.

Eggplant Salad 4/5

On the savoury side, we started with the Eggplant Salad ($12.90). The highlight of this dish was the panko-crusted eggplant fritters, which were crunchy and well-seasoned. The base of mixed lettuce, baby spinach, hard-boiled egg, cherry tomatoes and onions was dressed with roasted red capsicum dressing.

All Day Breakfast 2.8/5

The All Day Breakfast (from $8.90) was a customisable option that started with scrambled eggs, toasted sourdough, and salad greens. Unfortunately, it didn't impress us as much as we had hoped, as the sourdough was thin, and the scrambled eggs lacked creaminess. We also had add-ons of Tater Tots ($2), Creamed Spinach ($3.90) and Sauteed Garlic Mushrooms ($3.90) as sides, but they fell short of expectations.

Spam & Cheese 4.2/5

We were more impressed by the Spam & Cheese Sandwich ($10.90), which featured thick-cut chicken spam and cheddar, served between toasted brioche. The crisp crust on the fried spam and a tangy sriracha mayo added just the right amount of tangy heat. Each sandwich is accompanied by a side of mixed greens.

Pistachio Roulade 4.5/5

Of course, LUNA's handcrafted entremets were the highlight of the visit. The Pistachio Roulade ($8.80) was a personal favourite, featuring a soft pistachio chiffon sponge layered with nutty pistachio cream and a tangy raspberry compote.

Blossom 4.2/5

The Blossom ($8.50) is an excellent choice for something more refreshing. This dessert offers subtle sweetness and a floral fragrance, combining strawberry elderflower yoghurt mousse, strawberry curd and compote, rose sponge, and feuilletine crunch.

Citrus Tart 4.2/5

If you're in the mood for a bright and tangy dessert, the Citrus Tart ($8.50) won't disappoint. With its tangy lime curd, orange confit, and vanilla sponge all nestled in a vanilla tart shell and topped with chantilly cream, it provided a well-balanced and zesty finish to our meal.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Lucine by LUNA
TripleOne Somerset
111 Somerset Road
#01-06
Singapore 238164
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 9.30am - 6.30pm
Sat-Sun: 9.30am - 9pm
Sun: 9.30am - 7.30pm

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

Café Barco @ Kaki Bukit - New Japanese-Western Fusion Cafe by Wunderfolks

Wunderfolks, which started as a home-based business in 2020, gained popularity for its tarts in various flavours.

Building on its success, the brand expanded beyond its physical stores and ventured into a new concept with the opening of Café Barco, a Japanese-Western fusion café in Kaki Bukit. It is conveniently situated within the Techview Building and just a short walk from Kaki Bukit MRT Station.

Iced Matcha Latte 3/5

Our meal began with the Iced Matcha Latte. We wished it had a stronger matcha flavour, as the drink leaned much more towards the milky side.

Cold Tofu 3/5

We had the Cold Tofu ($6), which is on the light side. It is served with a Japanese sesame dressing and topped with spring onions, nori, and sesame seeds.

Corn Croquette 3.5/5

Next, we tried the Corn Croquette ($8), which had a crunchy exterior and creamy interior. It was served with a sweet-tasting Barco brown sauce.

Tater Tots 3.5/5

The Tater Tots ($7) were well-fried and crispy but felt a bit plain. A bit of seasoning or a dipping sauce would have elevated this dish.

Mentaiko Egg Mayo Sando 4.2/5

The Mentaiko Egg Mayo Sando ($8.80) was a delightful treat. The creamy mentaiko egg mayo mix was nicely balanced and not overly rich. It was sandwiched between lightly toasted, fluffy bread. The tobiko sprinkled on top added a nice savoury pop to each bite.

Big Breakfast 4/5

A crowd favourite at Café Barco is the Big Breakfast ($14), a classic brunch dish featuring scrambled eggs, sautéed mushrooms, vine tomatoes, a hash brown, mesclun salad, and bread. While it didn't break any new ground, it was decently executed.

Curry Chicken Katsu Don 4.2/5

Among the mains, our top pick was the Curry Chicken Katsu Don ($14.80). The dish featured slices of crunchy, well-seasoned chicken katsu served on a bed of Japanese rice and a flavourful Japanese curry with potato and carrot chunks. The katsu remained tender.

Mentaiko Pasta with Salmon 3.5/5

On the other hand, despite its popularity, the Mentaiko Pasta with Salmon ($18.80) fell short of expectations. We found the dish to be more creamy than mentaiko-flavoured, leaving us wishing for a stronger mentaiko presence to better complement the linguine, grilled salmon, onsen egg, and tobiko.

For dessert, Café Barco offers an array of their signature Tarts alongside other pastries. Additionally, the café stocks canelés from Flourcrafts, which you can pre-order for pickup or purchase on the spot.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Café Barco
Techview
#01-02
1 Kaki Bukit View
Singapore 415941
Tel: +65 9749 7940
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Nearest MRT: Kaki Bukit (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 8pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Kaki Bukit MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes [Map]

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
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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]

Bernie’s @ Jalan Riang - New American-Themed Restaurant For Good Authentic American Fare

Step into a world of classic American flavours and nostalgia at Bernie's Restaurant, located in the charming enclave of Jalan Riang near Serangoon Garden. The restaurant offers an authentic American dining experience with a wide array of old-school favourites, such as the Blackened Fish, Mexican Chicken, classic burgers, hot dogs, pastas, soups, and salads.

Why Americans are so heavy Breakfast 4.5/5

On weekend mornings, Bernie's presents a tempting selection of American brunch options, headlined by the generously portioned Why Americans are so heavy Breakfast ($26). This hearty platter features a delightful medley of 2 eggs cooked to your liking, zesty spicy potato or tater tots, a substantial pork sausage, spinach, baked beans, mushrooms, and toast. All are served with your choice of coffee or tea. You can enhance your meal with a $4.50 smoked salmon add-on for extra indulgence. This extensive and satisfying brunch spread is the perfect way to kickstart your weekend mornings at Bernie's.

Giant Friggin’ Cheese Omelette 4.2/5

The Giant Friggin' Cheese Omelette ($17) boasts a generous blend of 3 eggs and 3 cheese slices in a soft and fluffy omelette, accompanied by a side of zesty spicy potatoes or tater tots. Served alongside toast and your choice of coffee or tea, this straightforward yet expertly crafted creation showcases a pronounced yet light cheese flavour. It is a simple and gratifying breakfast option that is every bit enjoyable.

Bernie’s Crispy Waffles 4.5/5

The Bernie's Crispy Waffles ($8.50) is an artfully crafted creation comprising 11 carefully selected ingredients. The waffles boast a flawless balance of a perfectly crispy exterior and a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth interior. Topped with maple syrup and butter, Bernie's Crispy Waffles definitely earns a well-deserved reputation as one of the top waffle options available.

Overall, Bernie's Restaurant in Singapore offers an authentic and delightful American dining experience. With its inviting atmosphere and diverse menu, Bernie's is a must visit destination for anyone seeking a genuine taste of American dining.

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.


Bernie's
15-9 Jalan Riang
Singapore 358987
Tel: +65 8842 1127
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Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC, NE Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to Serangoon Bus Interchange (Stop ID 66009). Take bus number 105. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to Jalan Girang. Turn right onto Jalan Girang. At the junction of Jalan Girang, turn left and walk down Jalan Girang towards Jalan Riang. Turn right onto Jalan Riang. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Eixt A. Walk to bus stop at Serangoon MRT station (Stop ID 62139). Take bus number 100, 107, 147, 153 or 853. Alight 1 stop later. Cross the road to Wolskel Road. Walk down Wolskel Road to Jalan Riang. Turn right onto Jalan Riang. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Common Man Coffee Roasters @ Alexandra - New Outlet Housed In A Heritage Building

Common Man Coffee Roasters has recently opened its outlet at Alexandra, located in a beautiful heritage building outside Anchorpoint. In the evening, Common Man Night Shift takes over to provide after-hours sessions with food and wine.

Turkish Common Man Breakfast 4.5/5

Its menu has been updated with a few dishes. Under Breakfast, we had Turkish Common Man Breakfast ($29). Presented in a rather unusual way but equally tasty. We had a phyllo-wrapped soft-boiled egg on the plate accompanied by 2 crispy feta balls on a bed of green hummus, served with grilled pita bread. The egg was gorgeous with a jammy centre, and the green hummus was well seasoned with a good amount of spice that gave this dish its characteristic flavour profile. The toasted pita bread had a nutty taste, making it a good base for the dish's bold flavours.

Kouign Amann Toast 4/5

For a sweet breakfast item, Kouign Amann Toast ($25) is an excellent alternative to waffles or pancakes, featuring the popular Kouign Amann from TBB crowned with Vanilla ice cream, complete with a classic cherry-chocolaty combination of cherries, plume compote and chocolate sauce. The sprinkle of chocolate granola nuts and almonds gave the dish a delectable crunch and nuttiness.

Conti Sandwich 3/5

Under Lunch offerings, Conti Sandwich ($29) features Foccacia from TBB spread with sundried tomato, and shaved ham and rocket leaves are sandwiched in between. The Foccacia was excellent, with a fluffy and chewy texture and a pronounced rosemary flavour. Though Strataciatella and Pecorino cream were listed on the menu, there was little of it. Overall, it is still a decent sandwich.

Grilled Veggie Salad 3.8/5

Grilled Veggie Salad ($27) was vibrant with savoury and citrusy orange miso dressing and appetizing with a salty punch boosted by an addition of Anchovy cream. It was hearty with charred courgette, burnt cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado and a soft-boiled egg. The salad is topped with pieces of morish parmesan crisp for a textural crunch.

Chilli Chicken 4/5

Chilli Chicken ($32) features a Supreme cut chicken breast, a dish that celebrates warm flavours and that of spices. Despite its lean nature, the chicken breast was exceptionally succulent, enriched with a serving of creamy avocado salsa and starchy smashed sweet potato. The accompanying harissa sauce elevated the bold flavour profile, with peppery rocket leaves and pickle onions to cut through the savoury intensity.

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
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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]

Black & White Bistro @ Shaw Plaza - A Gastronomic Journey at Black & White Bistro

Nestled in the heart of Shaw Plaza is Black & White Bistro, the latest chic new eatery that offers a carefully curated all-day dining menu featuring an extensive western selection, fine wines and artisanal tea and coffee. Stepping into the restaurant, diners are greeted with a modern ambience decked in tasteful black and white decor, contemporary art pieces and dimmed lighting, which creates a cosy yet upscale dining atmosphere.

Berry Fresh Mojito 4/5

We started the meal with the Berry Fresh Mojito ($20), a refreshing concoction of juicy berries and fresh mint leaves that tantalise the taste buds.

Spanish Gambas 4.2/5

The Spanish Gambas ($17) features succulent prawns in a flavourful blend of olive oil, garlic, chilli, and Spanish paprika. The aromatic garlic and the subtle heat from the chilli enhance the natural sweetness of the prawns. The dish is also served with a side of crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce.

B&W Signature Fish & Chips 4.2/5

The B&W Signature Fish & Chips features charcoal beer batter fish and chips, which combines the classic English dish with a twist of charcoal seasoning for a unique flavour. The sea bass fillet is lightly coated in a special charcoal-infused batter and fried to perfection, which gives it a delightful crunch while retaining a moist and flaky inside. The charcoal batter imparts a subtle smokiness to the fish, enhancing its natural flavours. The dish is served with a side of fries and tartar sauce.

Build Your Own Brekkie 4/5

The Build Your Own Brekkie ($12++) offers a delightful and customisable breakfast experience with a medley of delicious ingredients. We opted for a sumptuous combination of creamy scrambled eggs, fluffy brioche toast, and smoked salmon (+$8). You can also add other ingredients, such as sautéed mushrooms, sausages or bacon, to the breakfast platter, with additional top-up costs.

Triple Charcoal Burger slider 3.8/5

The Triple Charcoal Burger slider ($18) is a tantalising trio of mini burgers catering to diverse tastes. The first slider showcases a lightly crisp charcoal-battered fish fillet similar to the Fish & Chips that we had, and the second slider presents a flavourful crumbled chicken patty. In contrast, the third slider features a classic beef patty, though a tad on the dry side. These mini burgers are arranged on soft charcoal buns, providing a subtle yet striking contrast to the vibrant fillings.

Overall, Black & White Bistro offered a delightful dining experience with its innovative and diverse menu. The dishes showcased culinary excellence and attention to detail, from the refreshing Berry Fresh Mojito to the well-executed B&W Signature Fish & Chips. The chic ambience and attentive staff added to the overall enjoyment of the dining experience.

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.


Black & White Bistro
Shaw Plaza
360 Balestier Rd
#01-25
Singapore 329783
Tel: +65 8043 4868
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Nearest MRT: Toa Payoh (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Wed: 10am - 10pm
Thu-Sat: 10am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Toa Payoh MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to Toa Payoh Bus Interchange (Stop ID 52009). Take bus number 145. Alight 5 stops later. Journey time about 15 minutes. Walk to destination. 
[Map]