Showing posts with label Falafel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Falafel. Show all posts

Saturday, January 28, 2023

Sol & Ora @ The Outpost Hotel, Sentosa - A Latin-Mediterranean Restaurant Perched On The Rooftop Of The Hotel

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Riding on the success of Sol & Luna at CapitaSpring, 1-Group opens Sol & Ora on the rooftop of The Outpost Hotel on Sentosa, bringing the allure of the Mediterranean Sea and its unique coastal culture to the shore of Singapore. It is an all-day, all-occasion gastronomic destination set on the coast.

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Brioche 'Parker' Roll 4.2/5

While waiting for our mains, we started with the Brioche 'Parker' Roll ($8). A soft, fluffy bread roll paired with black olive tapenade and French butter.

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Sicilian Green Olives 4/5

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Falafel 4/5

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Padron Peppers 4/5

The Petite Meze ($22) comprises an array of antipasto from Greece, Spain and Italy. Diners can look forward to a platter of Whipped Taramasalata, Padron Peppers, Falafel, Tzatziki, Sicilian Green Olives, and Rosemary & Sea Salt Feuille De Brick.

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Greek 'Saganaki' Cheese 4.2/5

The cheese may look like a slice of pizza, but it's Greek 'Saganaki' Cheese ($23). The Kefalotyri cheese is pan-fried and drizzled with honey. Squeeze the accompanying lemon slice to zest up the enjoyment.

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La Bomba 4/5

A tapas originating from Barcelona, the La Bomba ($18) comes in a ball-shaped Spanish-style breaded potato with minced chicken seasoned with Baharat, paired with housemade mayonnaise and spicy tomato puree.

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Cavatelli Pasta 4.2/5

Cavatelli Pasta ($28) is also known as little hollows due to the hollow shape of the pasta shells. It is a popular pasta throughout Southern Italy. I like the shape of the past, acting as a reservoir for the delicious sauce for maximum enjoyment. It is cooked with caramelised red onions, squid, crab, Amalfi lemon zest, chopped spinach, and chopped anchovies to complement the delightful pasta's texture.

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Imam Bayildi 4/5

If you are okay with mushy texture, you will enjoy the Imam Bayildi ($18). The eggplant flesh is removed and cooked with tomato, coriander seeds, and cinnamon before refilling it back into the cavity. It is then oven bath in wine, tomatoes, and bay leaves before scorching over wood fire. It is then topped with crumbled Persian feta cheese and rocket leaves.

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Seared Red Norwegian Salmon 4/5

Moving to the mains, we started with the Seared Red Norwegian Salmon ($32). The salmon is perfectly cooked to a moist, slight pink in the middle and crispy on the skin. It is paired with grilled fennel and Trapanese pesto and finished with lemon zest and shavings of bottarga.

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Wood-fired Wagyu Bavette 4.2/5

Beef lovers will enjoy the Wood-fired Wagyu Bavette ($44). The Australian wagyu flank infused with smokiness is tender and juicy, paired with truffle sauce. It is served with marinated and semi-dried cherry tomatoes on the vine to cut the richness.

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Sardinian Porcetto 4.2/5

Great for sharing is the Sardinian Porcetto ($78). The Spanish suckling pig is brined and steamed for 24 hours and then air-dried overnight. The result is flavourful succulent meat with crackling skin. It is served together with apple and pear sauce, accompanied by charred lemon and burnt Romaine lettuce.

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Churros 3.5/5

For dessert, we had the Spanish Churros ($16), fried upon order and then dusted with cinnamon sugar and toasted pecan nuts. It is best enjoyed together with the chocolate dip.

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Greek Bougatsa 4/5

As for the Greek Bougatsa ($14), the filo pastry is filled with custard cream, baked and then dusted with icing sugar and served with fresh strawberries and blueberries.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Sol & Ora
The Outpost Hotel
10 Artillery Avenue
Level 7
Singapore 099951
Tel: +65 88798765
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast
Daily: 7am - 1030am
Lunch
Tue-Fri: 12pm - 230pm
Weekend Brunch
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 230pm
High Tea
Thu-Sun: 3pm - 430pm
Dinner
Tue-Sun: 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Exit station to Vivocity Shopping Mall. Go to Sentosa Express Station at Level 3 of Vivocity. Take Sentosa Express Train to Imbiah station. Alight at Imbiah station and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 mins. [Map]

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

White Marble @ Orchard Rendezvous Hotel - Chef Otto Weibei's Loving Tribute To The Mediterranean

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The newly opened White Marble restaurant at Orchard Rendezvous Hotel is a Mediterranean grill concept by Chef Otto Weibel, Singapore's grand doyen of Western gastronomy. The restaurant brings together the timeless flavours of the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. And in line with Chef Otto’s philosophy, dishes are prepared with fresh quality produce, using simple techniques that showcase the natural flavours at their vibrant best.

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Roasted Butternut Squash 4.2/5

Our dinner started with the Roasted Butternut Squash ($12++). The sweetness of the butternut squash is paired with chilli yoghurt and coriander salsa. It comes with a hint of spiciness from the chilli oil drizzled over the dish, finished with toasted sunflower seeds and seasonal herbs.

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Octopus 4/5

Following that, we have the Octopus ($36++). The charcoal-grilled Spanish octopus rests atop crispy potato and garlic cream. Pistachio crumbs are added for extra texture, while the chilli oil spiced up the taste profile.

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Fattouche 3/5

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Mezze Plate 3.5/5

The Mezze Plate ($34++) and Fattouche ($12++) are good for sharing. The platter comprises falafel, tabbouleh with quinoa, fattouche, eggplant moutabal, hummus, chicken skewers, and grilled pita. The platter draws inspiration from Chef Otto's trip to the Middle East, featuring dishes in the region such as Dubai, Lebaron and Egypt. A healthy take from the region is the Fattouche, a classic Levantine crunchy salad dressed in a refreshing lemon dressing.

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Chicken Leg Bone-in Tagine 4.5/5

Great to go with a plate of rice is the Chicken Leg Bone-in Tagine ($60++). The whole chicken leg is marinated with shawarma spice for a day, grilled and cooked with red onions in a tagine. It is a classic Moroccan stew held together by a delicious tomato sauce brightened with dates and preserved lemon.

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Prawn Bucatini Puttanesca $28++

My favourite dish for the night is the Prawn Bucatini Puttanesca ($28++). I love the pasta texture cooked in a classic Italian recipe with olive oil, mixed olives, tomatoes, capers and anchovies. It seems that many things were going on, but they came together harmoniously for a delicious finishing.

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Seafood and Australian Lamb Skewer 4/5

Not to be missed at White Marble is the charcoal-grilled Seafood Skewer ($38++ per skewer) and Australian Lamb Skewer ($48++ per skewer). The seafood skewer consists of octopus, white fish, prawns, and assorted vegetables. I prefer the Australian lamb skewer marinated in chermoula. It was juicy and tender. Three different sauces - lemon garlic cream, harissa aioli, and salbitxada are served to enjoy the seafood and meat.

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Crema Catalana 4.2/5

Unlike creme brulee, the difference is that Crema Catalana ($16++) is thickened with milk and cornstarch instead of cream. Freshly squeezed orange juice is added, zesting up the flavour profile. It is topped with torched orange segments, freeze-dried tangerines, candied orange peels and mint leaves.

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Fig & Almond 4/5

Another classic Spanish dessert is the Fig & Almond ($16++), a cold-pressed olive oil cake baked with fresh figs. It is paired with almond crumble for crunch and yoghurt ice cream for a sweet ending.

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Note: This is an invited tasting.


White Marble
Orchard Rendezvous Hotel
1 Tanglin Road
#01-09
Singapore 247905
Facebook
Website
Nearest: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Walk down Orchard Road to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Urban Bites @ Telok Ayer Street - Modernizing Lebanese Food in Singapore

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Urban Bites may sounds like a modern restaurant but what it offers is lesser known Lebanese cuisine. The restaurant is opened by Chef Ghazi Khanashat, who has earned the moniker "Godfather" of Lebanese cooking in Singapore, for he brought the cuisine to Singapore almost 16 years ago. His daughter, Christine is running the business with a young and talented Lebanese Executive Chef, Haroutioun Ara Sayegh, helming the kitchen. They duo want to revolutionise Lebanese food in Singapore by giving Chef Ghazi's dishes a modern flair.

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Lebanese Sangria 4/5

Having just return from Spain, I am delight to see sangria on the beverage menu. I ordered the Lebanese Sangria ($26). The Lebanese sangria is made form a concoction of Jallab (dates, grape molasses, rose water), Lebanese red wine, fruit cocktail, and freshly squeezed lime juice. A sweet and refreshing drink to kick start my brunch.

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Cheese Manouche 4.5/5

Urban Bites has recently launched its Saturday Brunch which is available on Saturday from 930am to 4pm. One of the new items on the brunch menu is the Cheese Manouche ($16). The freshly baked flat bread is stuffed with four different types of Lebanese cheese (jeddal, feta, mozzarella and akkawi), and sprinkled with onions and parsley. The fluffy flat bread has a nice exterior crisp which comes from being baked in the stone oven. It also has a slight hint of spiciness.

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Egg with Lamb Shashouba 4.2/5

The other brunch item I enjoyed is the hearty and comforting Egg with Lamb Shashouba ($20). Using lamb shoulder, it is first marinated for 24 hour with Lebanese spices before being roasted. Served in a pan, it consists of pulled lamb and three poached eggs steeped in a fragrant housemade sauce made of fresh tomatoes, chilli peppers, cumin and onions. It is then crowned with feta cheese and deep fried kale leaves. To eat, you have to give is a good mix. I preferred to have it together with the bread which is served on the side. The whole experience felt like having our local egg and toast.

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Fettet Cauliflower 3/5

For those that loves yogurt, you will like the Fettet Cauliflower ($15). It comes with garlic-chilli roasted cauliflower, toasted crunchy chickpeas, velvety yogurt, crispy pita chips and pomegranate seeds. A worthy note is that Chef Ara spends hours making the yogurt daily. Unfortunately I am not a fan of yogurt and I guess I preferred a something richer in taste.

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Lebanese Big Breakfast 3.5/5

If you are not sure what to have for brunch, then the Lebanese Big Breakfast ($20) will allows you to have a bit of everything. It comprises of labneh yogurt cheese, fatted hummus and a hard boiled egg with an assortment of fresh vegetables and thick slices of homemade bread.

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Hummus Original 4.5/5

From the a la carte menu, we tried the staple Hummus Original ($15). The mashed chickpeas with tahini, lemon juice and olive oil was simple but yet hearty. Best to have it together with the warm bread.

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Falafel Salad 4/5

The Falafel Salad ($18) can be a meal on its own. It comprises of mesclun greens, cucumbers, beetroot, avocado, chia and sunflower seeds in a tahini dressing, topped with falafel patties. There are a lot of textures at play and the highlight for me is the crispy falafel packed with lovely flavours.

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Mixed Grill 4.2/5

Good for sharing is the Mixed Grill ($33) which comes with four different charcoal grilled kebabs. Beautifully marinated, spiced and grilled to tender is the cubed chicken, cubed beef tenderloin, minced lamb and minced chicken. The plate also comes with fries, mesclun salad and toum. Toum is a light and airy Lebanese garlic dip that you need to tried. It goes very well with the different meats.

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Osmaliyeh 4/5

Last but at least, we wrapped up our meal on a sweet note with the Osmaliyeh ($12). It comes in a layer of flash-fried crisp filo strings followed by another layer of sweet clotted cream. This is finished with slices of strawberries, crushed pistachio and more filo strings.

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While Lebanese cuisine is still rather new to many Singaporean, I have enjoyed the food at Urban Bites, especially that they are freshly made from stretch. I am also great to see the younger generation taking over the baton, inherit the recipes and making effort to modernize it to suit and attract the young customers. I am a believer that food needs to progress with time too.


Urban Bites
161 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068615
Tel: +65 63279460
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 10pm
Sat: 930am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk along the covered walkway until the junction of Mccallum Street and Telok Ayer Street. Cross the junction and continue on Telok Ayer Street. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to junction of Telok Ayer Street and Upper Cross Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Monday, May 29, 2017

Darling Street Espresso @ Moonee Ponds [Melbourne] - Neigbhourhood Cafe Offering Real Food Without Fuss

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Darling Street Espresso embodies the essence of Melbourne cafe cuisine- real food without the fuss, just a street away from your home.

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Split Shot 

Start off the day with a Split Shot (AUD$ 5) - one shot neat and the other made into Piccolo. How cool is that, to be able to appreciate the beans in both manners. On days when i'm indecisive, this solves everything.

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Protein bowls are ubiquitous in Australia and every bowl which I had tried during my trip was interesting in its own way. The Protein Bowl (AUD$18) here is well thought-out. Supergrains formed the base and for greens you have asparagus and zoodles, which is basically zucchini noodles, that I believe will eventually become a hit someday. Beetroot was mashed into a tangy sorbet and a handful of crispy chickpeas for some fun. Not too raw for comfort, when there's a slab of halloumi and poached eggs to bring it closer to home. Fresh turmeric labna, a middle eastern staple made by removing excess whey from salted yoghurt is used to harmonise the ingredients. I thought that adds a homemade touch to this dish.

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12 hr Smoked Pork Shoulder Brik 4.5/5

We had 2 specials of the day, and both dishes speak with sophistication and quality that I never thought could be found in a cafe. I love the vibrant colours and the artful plating. 12 hr Smoked Pork Shoulder Brik (AUD$21) was like a filo pie - tender and moist meat wrapped within a paper-thin and crisp skin. The orange and potato salad supports the richness of the meat while the kohlrabi and basil pesto lent a touch of bitter and nutty nuances to the overall taste.

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Confit Duck Croquettes 4/5

Duck can be quite a tricky meat to handle in the realm of western cuisine which makes this Confit Duck Croquettes (AUD$19) even more outstanding. So just when you find rosti a creative replacement for hash brown, we have got something even more exciting. The crisp exterior cracked readily under my fork, revealing a moist mixture of duck and potatoes. Very well executed dish in terms of taste and pairing of ingredients, turning what is usually treated as a street snack into brunch to look forward to.

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Brekky Roll 3.5/5

When everything else is too fancy, this simple but satisfying Brekky Roll (AUD$13.50) will get your morning rolling. Well toasted brioche bun holding together the meaty Newmarket bacon, fried egg, cheddar, complemented by relish and aioli. Another homemade touch to that.

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Cauliflower Falafel 3/5

Vegetarian options are readily available in cafes. I notice a few dishes with middle-eastern ingredients, Cauliflower Falafel (Aud 15.50) is definitely the most pronounced. Sandwiched in between the flat bread is the cauliflower falafel. I find it kinda dry, despite the eggplant kaunda spread.

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Real food without fuss, in a equally simple and functional setting, no 'hipster' name tag to it.  That's what I love about a good suburban cafe.

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.


Darling Street Espresso
146 Athol Street
Moonee Ponds
Victoria, Melbourne
[Map]
Tel: +613 93262212
Facebook
Website

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 730am - 4pm
Sat-Sun: 8am - 4pm

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Wildseed Cafe By The Summerhouse @ Seletar Airport - Take A Flight to The English Countryside

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In recent months, the former Seletar Airbase or better known as Seletar Airport has been transformed into a F&B and lifestyle destination. The black and white colonial bungalows, together with the lush greenery, felt as if one is being transported to the English countryside. Occupying the former home of the Royal Air Force's Tech Wing Command, is the site of The Summerhouse.

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The Summerhouse is an integrated multi-concept destination comprising The Summerhouse Dining Room and Balcony Bar located on the upper storey; and Wildseed, a cafe, patisserie and bar on the ground level.

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Pork & Krauts 4/5

From the sandwich menu, we started with the Pork & Krauts ($15). It is a pulled pork sandwich with cabbage, cucumber salad, nuts, and yoghurt sauce. Initially I thought the sandwich may be too meaty but it turned out the cucumber and cabbage not only lend a crunchy touch, they give it a refreshing balance.

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The Morocano 4/5

The other sandwich we tried is the The Morocano ($18). The braised beef brisket is paired with eggplant stew, feta cheese and sauteed pak choi, hummus and sesame. The combination of ingredients is rather refreshing, with the flavours coming together as one yummy sandwich.

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Independent Uruguay 4.5/5

Among the three sandwiches we tried, the favourite is the Independent Uruguay ($15). It is a vegetarian sandwich with herbal falafel, carrot pesto, feta cheese, pickled beetroot, Kranji lettuce and yoghurt sauce. The star has to be the falafel which is perfumed by the different herbs and spices.

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Super Thin Curly Fries 4/5

Mentioned earlier, Wildseed is not just a cafe, it also comes with a bar. Complementing the cocktails and drinks is the bar snack menu. A crowd favourite is the Super Thin Curly Fries ($11/$17) that comes with ketchup and/or soy sauce seaweed mayonnaise dip. These thin curly fries are very dangerous. Unknowingly, I probably have eaten half of it in a short time span.

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Deep Fried Hollandaise Balls 4/5

Instead of cheese balls, the snack bar has these addictive Deep Fried Hollandaise Balls ($12/$18). It did not occur to me that you can actually transformed a sauce into a snack. The hollandaise sauce was given a gelatine coat and deep fried. It is crispy on the exterior and saucy inside.

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Pancake 4/5

It is amazing that Chef Florian Rider makes his own butter which is used to pair with the Pancake. The fluffy pancake is drizzled with maple syrup and topped with grilled corn kernels. I like the addition of the corn kernels, giving it an extra crunch for a delightful finish.

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Kaya Toast 4.8/5

The highlight at Wildseed Cafe has to be the Kaya Toast. The interpretation of the local breakfast is out of this world. Who would have thought of stuffing a 62.5 degrees sous vide egg into sour dough bread with kaya, butter, coconut and gula melaka. You need to try it yourself to understand how good this is.

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Pea Flower Coconut Muffin 3.8/5

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If you have a sweet tooth, then you will be delighted to know that the cakes at Wildseed Cafe are created by 1-Group Pastry Chef Jasmin Chew drawing inspiration from the edible cafe. The Pea Flower Coconut Muffin ($6.50) with its gula melaka coconut filling, reminded me of a giant ondeh ondeh but more cakey.

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Honey Lemon Rosemary Tart 4.2/5

For me I adore the Honey Lemon Rosemary Tart ($6.50) more. The execution was well balanced with the scent of rosemary crowning the beautiful flavours.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wildseed Cafe 
The Summerhouse
Seletar Airport
3 Park Lane
Singapore 798387
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Punggol (NE Line), Yishun (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 10am - 7pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 7pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Punggol MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to Punggol Bus Interchange (Stop ID 65009). Take bus number 117. Alight 6 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 30 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Yishun MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Yishun Bus Interchange (Stop ID 59009). Take bus number 103. Alight 16 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 45 minutes. [Map]