Farmers And Chefs @ Singapore Conference Hall - A Wholesome Dining Place For You And Your Little Ones

Visited Farmers and Chefs located within Singapore Conference Hall in Shenton Way on a rainy evening, and that became one of the most relaxing dining experience I ever had for a long time. Unexpected in many ways, especially in the middle of the CBD area. Set below a canopy, surrounded by planters and rustic wooden crafts exhibited by local wood and clay crafter, Farmers and Chefs are just as charming as any of those cafes and bistros nestled in parks and gardens. Mindful dining is what this cafe is all about, and with a strictly no deep-frying rule, they are not just serious about what's offered to you, but to your little ones as well.

The Farmer's Breakfast 4/5

For just $10, The Farmer’s Breakfast comes with a hearty portion of sous vide herbed boneless chicken thigh slices (no cured meats!), alongside scrambled eggs, grilled Roma tomatoes, sauteed button mushrooms and crisp Rosti with a dollop of Farmer’s Soy Mayonnaise. What's notable is the housemade rosti that is prepared a la minute. Its crisp exterior is such a good match with their Farmer’s Soy Mayonnaise, which is possibly best dairy-free mayonnaise I ever had and even better than the regular one - perfect consistency and acidity, without that oily aftertaste. No wonder they have to trademark it. The scrambled eggs are topped with clarified butter, which makes it extra creamy and indulgent.

Teriyaki Chicken 4/5

For lunch, from 12pm to 2pm, you can get a healthy Lunch Bowls from $10 onwards. Six proteins are available for selection, each wholesome with lettuce, broccoli, tomato and onsen egg. The Teriyaki Chicken ($10) rice bowl comes with a chicken thigh lightly glazed with home-made teriyaki sauce. It was moist and tender, with skin lightly crisp. I really appreciate the lightness of the sauce, compared to commercial ones which tend to be sweeter.

Yakiniku Beef 3.5/5

For a bigger appetite, the Yakiniku Beef ($14) rice bowl comes with thick slices of stir-fried striploin coated in a home-made yakiniku sauce. The yakiniku sauce was light and not too salty, flavouring the beef just right without overpowering it. The rice in each bowl was fluffy and pearly, and really yummy after sopping up the sauces. It will have been more ideal if the cherry tomatoes have been sauteed or roasted beforehand to bring out their flavours.

Truffle Mushroom Cream with Asparagus 3.5/5

Pasta dishes are also available. A classic combination of cream and mushroom, the Truffle Mushroom Cream with Asparagus ($14). The mushrooms were well sauteed, which released all their earthy flavours into the pasta. I like the addition of the asparagus, which lends a crunch and a brightness to the dish.

Aglio Olio 3/5

The humble Aglio Olio Pasta ($9) speaks volume with its fiery touches. The combination of both dried and bird’s eye chilli gave a more rounded taste of heat and spices, along with the right dose of minced garlic. Adding on the sautéed prawns ($13) is ideal. A child-friendly non-spicy version is also available.

Pomodoro Pasta 2.8/5

The Pomodoro Pasta ($10) is a simple everyday pasta made with onions, tomato and basil, cream and parmesan cheese. I find the sauce lacking in intensity and sharpness of a creamy tomato sauce.

Kurobuta Pork Loin 4/5

As a casual dining cafe, Farmers and Chefs also dish out very high-quality mains too. Kurobuta Pork Loin ($18) features a pan-seared Kurobuta pork loin served with a house-made red wine apple compote, sautéed potatoes, broccoli, soy sauce onion, and capsicum. Nicely seared on the exterior, with some charred fats at the edges and the loin was done with a moist and pinky core. I love the tangy and sweet red wine apple compote, as well as the well-roasted capsicum that complements the richness of the meat really well.

A no-dessert menu is also a conscious decision made by the team as well, as for now. However, I find the Homemade Barley ($2), that is sweetened with rock sugar, a perfect alternative to a bowl of beancurd barley.

For your little ones, The Secret Children's Menu offers mini breakfast sandwiches, mains with fruit, mini rice bowls and organic pasta. A mix and match option for a customised meal is available as well.

Written and photography 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.


Farmers and Chefs
Singapore Conference Hall Singapore
7 Shenton Way
#01-04
Tel: +65 67219398
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 8pm
Sat: 9am - 8pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to the junction of Shenton Way and Straits Boulevard. Cross the 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]

11 Hamilton @ Hamilton Road - Modern Chic Cafe That Offers A Contemporary Australian-Inspired Menu With A Fusion Twist

The folks behind cafe Hustle Co. has recently rebranded and officially opened a new all-day dining concept - 11 Hamilton. Moving out of its former premises at Craig Road, the cafe was relocated in the Lavender and Jalan Besar precinct, serving contemporary Australian inspired menu with a fusion twist. Gather your loved ones over hearty brunch dishes during the day, or enjoy a range of craft beer and dinner service from 5pm onwards.

Breakfast For Champs 3.8/5

The Breakfast For Champs ($22) comes in a huge heart portion of Huevos Estrellados made with crispy potato cubes, jamon slices, scrambled eggs and runny yolk sauce to bind everything together. The dish is initially obscured by the mass of wild rocket which provides a bitter, nutty taste to the dish.
 

Deconstructed Spanish Jamon Omelette 3.8/5

The Deconstructed Spanish Jamon Omelette ($22) is reminiscent of a huge pizza on a pan. It features jamon slices doused with piquillo mayo, a mass of wild rockets and grilled asparagus spears on a thin bed of omelette. Although I enjoyed the rich savouriness of the jamon slices, again, we felt that the bitter, nutty rocket leaves overwhelmed the primary flavours of the dish.

Blueberry Banana Cinnamon Pancake 4/5

The Blueberry Banana Cinnamon Pancake ($18) comes in a thick fluffy slab of pancakes, embellished with berries and caramelised banana slices, and sweetened with a slight drizzle of maple syrup. However, we felt that the sweetness of the pancake can be brought up a few more notches. Perhaps the maple syrup could be served on the side for diners to adjust the sweetness level themselves.

Sweet Potato Fries 4/5

The Sweet Potato Fries ($9) arrived in a pretty huge portion, perfect for sharing. The fries boast a crisp exterior, yet pack a solid bite filled with fragrant sweet potato filings. A simple, yet well-executed side to go along with the mains.

Ondeh Ondeh Cake 4.2/5

Round off your meal on a sweet note with an array of gorgeous bakes from a local partner, The Brickyard. We tried their bestseller, Ondeh Ondeh ($7), which boasts light and fluffy pandan chiffon, layered with gula melaka frosting and topped with crunchy coconut shreds. This delicate, locally inspired dessert is not too sweet or cloying and is totally worth the indulgence.

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.

11 Hamilton
11 Hamilton Road
#01-00
Singapore 209182
Tel: +65 94510821
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bendemeer (DT Line), Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 9am - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bendemeer MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to traffic junction of Hamilton Road and Lavender Street. Cross the road and walk to Hamilton Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Horne Road. Turn left and walk down Horne Road. Turn right onto Hamilton Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Urbana Rooftop Bar @ Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena - Launches New Chillax Weekend Breakfast With A Panoramic Scenery

Nestled within level 33 of Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena is Urbana - one of the city's newest rooftop bar in an open-air setting framed by an infinity pool. Launching its new Chillax Weekend Breakfast menu available every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm, diners can sit back, relax and enjoy lazy, lengthy breakfast fares at this highest rooftop bar in the Novena district which offers panoramic views of the cityscapes.

Duck Confit & Waffle 4.2/5

All the breakfast specials on the new epicurean menu are prepared a la minute in the outlet's open kitchen. The first dish we had was the Duck Confit & Waffle ($18). Crispy, fluffy waffles, tender duck confit beneath crispy skin, and sealed off with white bean cassoulet and apple slaw which adds a nice crunch to the dish. Reintepreted from the classic Southern dish with duck confit, this rendition sees a perfect marriage of French elements to a traditional American dish.

Pandan Nasi Lemak Omelet 3.8/5

The Pandan Nasi Lemak Omelet ($16) comes in a generous portion of pandan flavoured nasi lemak rice wrapped in a huge thin omelet, coated with chilli just below the omelet skin to give the dish a sharp kick of spice. The tender beef brisket rendang has a nice spice aroma to it, which provides a richer flavour to the nasi lemak rice. Paired with pickled cucumber and belinjo crackers on the side to give a crunchy texture to the dish.

Urbana's Late Breakfast 4/5, Classic Egg Benedicts 4/5

The Urbana's Late Breakfast ($22) and the Classic Egg Benedict ($18) are classic breakfast dishes which is no stranger to the breakfast aficionados. The breakfast platter comes in hearty portions of pork/chicken/beef sausage, streaky bacon, homemade hash browns, herb tomatoes , waffles, sous vide egg and hollandaise sauce which is sure to satisfy all your breakfast cravings. As for the Classic Egg Benedict, no reinvention is needed and all the elements are well-executed - with poached eggs served atop ham slices on English muffins, complemented with a generous drizzle of Hollandaise sauce. Slice the eggs to reveal the oozy golden yolk, which just binds all the elements together.

Truffle Grilled Cheese 4.2/5

The Truffle Grilled Cheese ($18) hits all the right spots with tomato, avocado, cheddar, emmental and truffle brie sandwiched in between grilled sourdough bread. The melty gooey cheese flaunts a perfect combination with the crispy toasted sourdough, and with its flavours further enhanced by the strong truffle fragrance from the truffle brie.

Eggs Your Choice 4/5

The dish comes with an Eggs of your choice (we opted for scrambled eggs), on soft fluffy slabs of French toasts and crispy streaky bacon. Drizzle the maple syrup all over which adds a nice sweetness to the savoury dish.

Pork Belly 4.2/5

A special seasonal item which was off the regular menu and only available from time to time, the Pork Belly features juicy tender meat with an enjoyable crackling crisp exterior.

Complementing the Chillax Weekend Breakfast are gourmet dessert choices of liquor laced desserts of sliced cakes, jar cakes and slab cakes such as the Bailey Tiramisu, Black Forest, Pina Colada, Jar Cakes, Kirsch Cherry Brownie, Urbana Cognac Cheese Tart, Brandy Toffee Nuts Tart, Orchard Pick Normandine Tart, and more, priced from $7++ to $8++. As a special treat, for any main course ordered, all coffees are at $1 only.

All the desserts are handmade from scratch by in-house chef. Some of my favourites are the Choc Fudge ($8++), and Bailey Tiramisu ($8++). The soft layers of coffee-dipped savoiardi biscuits, creamy filling and chocolate just come together seamlessly, with a strong bailey flavour infused within the tiramisu.

Sip on cocktails from the beverage menu as you enjoy a lazy brunch afternoon at Urbana, such as the Tequila Sunrise, made of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup and served unmixed in a tall glass.

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.


Urbana Rooftop Bar
Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena
99 Irrawaddy Road
Level 33
Singapore 329568
Tel: +65 63782060
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sat-Sun: 11am - 4pm, 5pm - 1am

Direction: 
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Brothers In Fine Food @ Tampines West Community Centre – Halal Neighbourhood Café With Quality Food At Affordable Prices

Opened by the same folks behind Penny University, Brothers in Fine Food is a Muslim-owned halal cafe established late last year in 2016. No doubt a true hidden gem - with its inconspicuous locale on the second level of Tampines West Community Club, and an extensive menu of delicious yet creative fusion offerings inspired by a mix of modern European, Mediterranean, North African and other Asian influences. What's more all the dishes are affordably priced at nett prices. Think mains such as a plate of generously portioned beef steak with substantial sides at $14, and even a chicken waffles dish at only $8.

The interiors with its minimalistic design - contemporary wooden furnishings, cement floorings and metallic accents, add a casual chic industrial feel to the place. Fuss-free and comfortable, the space gives off a chill and relaxed vibe, perfect for lazy weekend brunches or a temporary hideout to get lunch and some work done on quiet weekday afternoons.

Butcher’s Daugher 4.5/5

The Butcher's Daughter ($14) is a dish available only on their weekend brunch menu. The highlight of the dish would be those generous pieces of sous-vide seared beef steak, lusciously tender and succulent with a slight browning on the outside in its perfect medium-rare done form. Tendons are intact, which may be less favourable with its rubbery texture and flavourless taste. Not forgetting, eggs on the side done in your selected choice of way (scrambled/sunny side-up/over easy), a generous portion of well-seasoned frites, as well as a side of salad to boot. The best part is that the dish is priced affordably at only $14. What's there not to love?

Builder’s Breakfast 4.2/5

The Builder's Breakfast ($15) comes in an assortment of the usual elements on a breakfast platter, including the rosemary chicken sausage, strips of beef bacon, mushrooms, potatoes, tomatoes, toasted sourdough with a side of salad, and eggs done in your selected choice of way. Seasoned simply with pepper and salt, all the components are decently executed and complement well with one another. I had the eggs done in scrambled form, and it leans towards the milkier and creamier side.

Moroccan Baked Eggs 4/5

The Moroccan Baked Eggs ($12) comes in slices of chicken sausage, harissa, chopped tomates, with an egg atop, and 3 pieces of toasted sourdough for dipping. It is an extremely hearty comfort dish that suffices as a filling meal by itself despite the seemingly small portion, albeit a tad too spicy.

Waffles with Fresh Fruits 3.8/5

There are different options of toppings available for the waffle, such as Nutella and cheese, Peanut butter and jelly or chicken karage and beef bacon. I had the Waffles with Fresh Fruits ($8), which comes in a thick buttery waffle with generous slices of fresh bananas, strawberries and blueberries atop. The waffle leans more towards the denser and stodgier side, though I'd prefer a fluffier version with a crispier exterior.

Nagasari 4.2/5

The Nagasari ($8) is a traditional dessert hailing from Indonesia. Intricately plated, it is an eye-catching piece in the cake display at the counter, which tastes equally unique as well. The white steamed cake with caramelised bananas boasts such a smooth and soft texture that it literally melts in the mouth. The accompaniments of gula melaka foam, sautéed coconut shavings and panadan crumbs contribute to a perfect mix of flavours and textures.

Recipes at Brothers in Fine Food undergo constant fine-tunings, and menu items are refreshed every few months to excite tastebuds and prompt revisits. As it passes its one year hallmark of operations, Brothers in Fine Food continues to draw in crowds with its remarkable fusion cafe fare and amazingly affordable prices that is hard to beat for its food quality and variety, despite its slightly obscure location.

Words and photos 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


Brothers in Fine Food
Tampines West Community Centre
5 Tampines Ave 3
#02-07
Singapore 529705
Tel: +65 90089314
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Tampines West (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tampines West MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across the hosing estate to Tampines Street 81. Cross the road at Tampines Street 81. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Barrio by Mex Out @ Vivocity - Mexican Cuisine In A Beer-Garden Inspired Casual Dining Setting

With the success of its 313 Somerset outlet, Barrio by Mex Out has opened a second outlet at Vivocity offering Mexican cuisine in a beer-garden inspired casual dining setting. On weekends, it even has a breakfast deal at $12.90, which comes with a breakfast dish + a coffee (available 9am to 12pm).

Smashed Avocado on Toast 3/5

Let us check out what do Barrio by Mex Out has to offer on its breakfast menu. The Smashed Avocado on Toast ($7.80) comes with tomato jam and smashed avocado on a grilled sourdough. You can add bacon/fried egg / mushrooms for an additional cost of $3 each.

Huevos Rancheros 3/5

Comes in a Tortilla shell is the Huevos Rancheros ($12.80) that comprises of black beans, rice, guacamole and a fried egg with barrio breakfast sauce. This is a bit heavy for me to eat as breakfast though. For those with big appetite, you may want to add extra bacon/fried egg/mushrooms for an additional $3 each.

Churros with Yogurt & Fruits 3/5

How about Churros ($11.90) for breakfast with Yogurt and Fruits? It is a first for me to have churros for breakfast. Not my preference but it is quite nice though with its crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

Loaded Nachos 4.2/5

Be warned! The Loaded Nachos ($13.60) is super addictive. I have told myself not to have to eat too much but I just could not control myself from going back for more of the freshly fried corn tortillas, which is topped with a generous amount of chilli con carne, cotija cheese, moazzarella and cheddar cheese sauce, pico de gallo, coriander, sour cream and freshly made guacamole.

Pulled Pork Torta 4/5

For a more hearty bite, the Pulled Pork Torta ($15.90) is a good consideration. Sandwiched in between the deep fried brioche buns is the delectable pork marinated with Chipotle Aioli, cotijatas cheese, pickled red cabbage and mayonnaise. Be prepared to get your hands messy.

Fish Taco 4.5/5

A mush try at Barrio is their Fish Taco ($13.40 for 2pc / $15.90 for 3pc). The taco uses beer battered sea bass and topped with pickled red cabbage, pico de gallo and chipotle aioli. With a squeeze of the lime to zest up the whole enjoyment.

Barbacoa Quesadilla 4.2/5

The Barbacoa Quesadilla ($13.40) did not disappoint with the diced chargrilled flank steak encased in a crispy tortilla, paired with pico de gallo, chilli jam, cheddar and jalapenos for a delightful combination of flavours and textures.

Jalapeno with Cheese 4/5

I am great that Barrio is still servicing the Jalapeno with Cheese ($8.40) on its menu. Lightly battered for a crispy exterior, the Jalapeno is stuffed with cheese for a harmonious combination of spicy and cheesy finishing.


Barrio by Mex Out
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-116
Singapore 098585
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 12midnight

Direction: 
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]