Elixir Boutique Roasters @ Serene Centre - Reintroducing The Good Old Full-bodied, Bold And Straight-forward Espresso Roasts, While Bringing In The New

Elixir Boutique Roasters at Serene Centre is all about bold and straight-forward espresso roasts. Beans are chosen from the South America region for the finest quality espresso blends and the ability to handle dark roasts without turning overly bitter. Black or White, you get to choose the beans from the variety of single origins and blends available. But beyond just Black and White, the coffee beans are also roasted specifically to harmonise with spirits for their range of Crafted Coffee-Centric Cocktails. To accompany your coffee and cocktails is a selection of brunch dishes and mains, available from 8.30am till 4pm daily, except Wednesday.

Killer Queen

Elixir's take on Italian aperitif cocktails, Killer Queen is made with homemade cascara syrup and Disaronno Italian Liqueur. Cascara, the coffee cherries which is usually discarded, is apparently a flavorful and antioxidant-packed ingredient that can be used in ways such as this. Pairing it with the amaretto-tasting liqueur, and there you have a sweet, refreshing pre-meal drink.

Same Ole’ Situation

Inspired by Old Fashioned, Same Ole’ Situation is made combining Homemade bitters with Costa Rica Las Trojas single origin. If you like it simple, this would be your drink.

Stormbringer

Stormbringer is intense - a double shot of Guatemala Antigua Santo Domingo espresso with Ron Zacapa 23 Solera Whisky.

Brulee French Toast 3/5

For a sweet start, Brûlée French Toast ($18) with seasonal fresh fruits and chantilly cream will delight you with its brulee brioche toast. The brioche itself was yummy - very crusty, with very light and airy body. I really like that it was not soggy with custard. The burned sugar taste of the caramelised surface imparts a smoky flavour, which harmonises with the berries and cream.

Truffle Eggs and Prosciutto 3.5/5

For something heartier, after all, it's a Brunch, Truffle Eggs and Prosciutto ($22) is preferred. I like the combination of textures and flavours of the different elements in this dish. The prosciutto was soft and had a rich mouthfeel, and its saltiness flavoured the creamy, buttery eggs well. The peppery arugula complements these rich elements, while the sweet brioche binds them all together.

Wagyu Beef Cheek Rendang 3/5

Mains are available from 11am onwards. Wagyu Beef Cheek Rendang ($22) is a laborious dish made with Chef's special rempah, served with free-flow butterfly pea coconut rice. Although the beef cheek was not exactly fork-tender, I quite like its gelatinous texture and glad that its flavours were not lost during the sous vide process.

Grilled Halloumi 4/5

Grilled Halloumi ($18) is probably one of the best Halloumi dishes I ever had. The sweet and creamy tahini aioli works well with the savoury notes of the halloumi, and the sprinkle of dukka enhances the nutty flavour of the dressing. One of the key components of the dish is actually the flecks of Lemon preserve, which punctuates the dish with sweet, salty and bitter notes.

Carbonara with Onsen Egg 3.5/5

Carbonara with Onsen Egg ($18) will not disappoint with its sauce made using only Parmigiano-Reggiano and eggs. The dehydrated pancetta adds the right amount of salty notes and texture to the creamy pasta.

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.


Elixir Boutique Roasters
Serene Centre
10 Jln Serene
#01-03A/4
Singapore 258748
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Nearest MRT: Botanic Gardens (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours
Mon-Tue, Thu-Sun: 830am - 4pm
(Closed on Wed)

Direction:
1) Alight at Botanic Gardens. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Bukit Timah Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Paddy Hills @ South Buona Vista Road - Introduces New Unique Fusion Dishes With A Twist

Nestled within the row of shophouses along South Buona Vista Road is Paddy Hills - a quaint hipster cafe in the west offering a wide selection of contemporary fusion cuisine. With a continuous revamp of its menu, Paddy Hills continues to attract diners to its far-flung location for its inventive and exciting dishes.

Savoury French Toast 4/5

The Savoury French Toast ($21) comes in a fluffy, buttery brioche with a thick, juicy bacon chop, house-cured salmon, banana slices, coconut ice cream and a generous douse of coffee maple syrup. Featuring a medley of different elements on a plate, this creation presents a savoury-sweet, hot-cold combination which contributes to a harmonious blend of contrasting flavours and textures, and surprisingly works well together.

Soft Shell Crab Burger 3.8/5

The Soft Shell Crab Burger ($25) comes in a crispy prawn patty and soft shell crab sandwiched in between two fluffy squid ink buns. While the green mango salad adds a sharp, tangy flavour to the burger, the prawn patty and soft shell crab packed less of a bite and more of a crunch to the dish, which rendered the texture rather one-dimensional, with the only flavour coming from the overwhelming tanginess of the green mango. Also served with a side of crispy curly fries and squid ink aioli.

NZ Ribeye 4.2/5

For something on the meatier side, the NZ Ribeye ($28) was a favourite among the dishes. It boasts tender and juicy ribeye steak atop crispy stick fries for an added crunch, and two sunny sides up atop the steak.

Truffle Garlic Fries 3.8/5

For something on the lighter, choose from their selection of sides such as the Truffle Garlic Fries ($15) with aioli and garlic snow. The truffle mayo dip on the side adds a rather subtle truffle flavour to the crispy fries. While we hoped that the promised flavours were stronger, it was still a rather addictive snack.

Feels like Summer 4.2/5

The Feels like Summer ($8) is just like its name, bright and bubbly, with a cute umbrella perched atop. The strawberry soda was a cooling thirst quencher, while the popping strawberry granules add a fun popping sensation and a refreshing tang to the drink, which makes every sip an enjoyable one.

Hot Chocolate 4/5

For the less-adventurous, go for their Hot Chocolate ($8) which boasts a rich chocolate flavour in a double-walled 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.


Paddy Hills
38 South Buona Vista Road
Singapore 118164
Tel: +65 64790800
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Haw Par Villa (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1030am - 5pm, 6pm - 930pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 5pm, 6pm - 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Haw Par Villa MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Haw Par Villa MRT station (Stop ID 16019). Take bus number 200. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Gram Cafe & Pancakes @ Vivocity - Iconic Souffle Pancake From Osaka Set To Puff Up A Storm In Singapore

Highly raved for its insta-worthy, wobbly, and impossibly fluffy pancakes, the famed Gram Cafe & Pancakes, hailing from Osaka, Japan is official opened in Vivocity on 16 June 2019, 1pm!

Premium Pancakes 4.5/5

Treat yourself to the Premium Pancakes ($17.90). Soft, airy and oh-so-fluffy, it comes in a towering wobbly stack of three 4cm thick souffle pancakes, complete with butter, house-made whipped cream, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Made with the same recipe used in Japan and only on premium ingredients, the souffle pancakes are slow-cooked on low heat and whipped full of air, resulting in a fluffy texture befitting of a cloud or cotton candy. A pancake connoisseur’s dream come true as the pillowy, light-as-air discs are deliciously milky and has a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

However, you may want to gear yourself up for the wait as the Premium Pancakes are professionally prepared upon receipt of order, and sales are limited to 3 times a day with 30 servings each time at 11am, 3pm and 6pm due to Gram Japan’s strict quality control rule. Each customer is limited to one Premium Pancakes order per pax, and will be given a token to collect it.

Rich Tiramisu Pancakes 3.5/5

If you're not quick enough to be in time for the limited servings of Premium Pancakes at the assigned time slots, you can console yourself with tons of other noteworthy items at Gram Cafe as well such as the Rich Tiramisu Pancakes ($15.90). However, these are not souffle pancakes, but rather, classic thin pancakes with a less fluffy and more chewy texture, inspired by the traditional Japanese dorayaki pancake. Infused with espresso, layered with rich mascarpone tiramisu cream, and dusted with cocoa powder, the Tiramisu Pancakes has a nice coffee aroma, although taste-wise, it still fares lower than its hyped-up souffle sister.

Other sweets selection include the Mixed Fruits & Chocolate Pancakes ($15.90), Caramelized Banana Pancakes ($13.90), and Coconut Custard Pancakes ($13.90).

Chilli Beans Pancakes 3.8/5

If you're not a fan of sweets, go for their savoury options such as the Chilli Beans Pancakes ($18.90), which features the same classic thin pancakes, topped with generous amounts of chilli beans sauce atop minced beef and melted cheddar cheese, and served with a side of sausage, potato and luscious salad greens.

Other savoury options include the Turkey Bacon and Scrambled Egg Pancakes ($18.90), and the Salmon and Avocado Pancakes ($19.90).

French Toast of Chocolate Banana 4/5

Not a fan of pancakes? Cram Cafe also serves the French Toast of Chocolate Banana ($15.90). Spotting a soft and fluffy texture, and a golden-brown caramelized crust, the Danish French toast is topped with fresh bananas, creamy vanilla ice cream and rich chocolate sauce. Decent but nothing extraordinary, it is quite a safe option for the less adventurous.

Other french toast options include the BLT Sandwich ($14.90++), Gram French Toast ($12.90), and Mixed Berry French Toast ($15.90).

Set to launch at a later date, fans in Singapore will get first and exclusive dibs on a special Japanese Curry pancakes creation, designed to satisfy Singaporean palates. Other upcoming creations include their convenient takeout options, such as the Strawberry Crepe Pancakes ($8.90), Premium Parfait ($10.90), Premium Tiramisu ($9.90) in a cup, and Premium to Go takeout set for dessert on the go.

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.


Gram Café & Pancakes
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#02-110
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 86666277
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

Porta @ Park Hotel Clarke Quay - Revamped Menu With Crave-worthy Appetisers

Porta Fine Food & Import Company at Park Hotel Clarke Quay has recently revamped its menu with a stronger focus on European and Mediterranean dishes, combining fresh produce sourced both globally and locally. With the belief that appetisers are keys to paving the way for a good meal forward, Porta’s Executive Chef Alex Phan has panned out new appetisers that offer light and refreshing flavours to whet your appetites.

Grilled Summer Vegetables with Hummus 3.8/5

The revamped menu sees more vegetarian options too. One of which is Grilled Summer Vegetables with Hummus ($14), that drawn me in with its bright and zesty flavours. The grilled vegetables provide great textures to the smooth and creamy hummus. In fact, I find this a sumptuous brunch item to be served with a couple of sourdough toasts.

Chicken and Egg 3.5/5

Chicken and Egg ($14) is an adorable appetiser that plays on the chicken or egg notion. What comes in sight first is the ajitsuke tamago, brightly tainted with Beetroot juice which sits on a nest of crunchy vegetables such as white and purple cabbage, white onions, edamame and corn. The chicken which is nowhere in sight, is embedded beneath as grilled soy-marinated chicken thigh. Again, similar to the above, this dish is packed with bright notes and textural contrasting elements that will set your jaw exercising.

Spicy Salmon Tartare 4.5/5

Chef Alex first plates the dishes in his mind in a 3-D manner which is the most evident in this Spicy Salmon Tartare ($16), featuring a mixture of diced salmon and crystal pear marinated in sugar cane vinegar. Chef Alex's previous tuna tartare didn't quite impress but this piquant and spicy dish is crave-worthy. The dollops of sriracha mayonnaise mellowed its acidity, and the sprinkles of white sesame snow imparted savoury notes, giving it a more rounded flavour. But this dish wouldn't be completed without the crispy crackers of deep-fried rice paper sandwiched with nori, which left a lingering aroma in my mouth at each bite.

Confit Lamb Pastilla 4/5

If you already have a tipple in your hand, Confit Lamb Pastilla ($14) would be perfect to start your meal with. Wrapped in Feuilles de Brick, the morsels of Australian lamb shank was rich in its own flavours and spices but not too gamey. A small but laborious dish - the Australian lamb shank is marinated in salt and pepper then sous vide for 12 hours before being deboned and shredded, then marinated in porcini powder, onions, garlic, and cumin. As the meat's natural gelatin cools down in the fridge, it solidifies and binds the meat together before it is wrapped in the pastry. A rather long process but the result is all worth it.

Duck Ragout 3/5

I notice that Chef Alex tends to sous vide his items, while some work, like the Confit Lam Pastilla but some don't, such as the new version of Duck Ragout ($24). The original version had the Pappardelle served in minced duck meat but the flavours of the duck didn't quite stand out. Hence we have this shredded duck meat version, served with parmesan sauce and herbs. Before being shredded, the duck leg is first brined with salt, sugar and spices then sous vide for 12 hours with olive oil. While half expecting a sauce rich with duck fats and flavours, the pieces of shredded meat were rather dry and bland. The tomato based sauce was enjoyable though.

Roast Chicken Leg 4/5

Roast Chicken Leg ($24) with red wine sauce is a French confit inspired dish, cooked using similar method that involves sous vide cooked in olive oil for 12 hours, then shallow-fried to attain a crisp exterior akin to a duck confit. Thankfully, the sous vide method works, resulting in a succulent and juicy chicken leg with a decadent crisp skin. Yes, the best part is that remaining fats underneath the golden brown skin! I love the Lyonnaise potatoes that were soft and fluffy with a crisp exterior too.

Pork Belly 2.5/5

The 12 hours Sous vide cook method didn't manage to break down the stubborn fats of the Pork Belly ($26), which would otherwise be a crowd pleasing dish. But even so, personally I feel a pork belly should be presented in some other ways other than just the entire slab right in my face. The sweet-savoury mash of potato with grilled pineapple purée was superb but was letdown by its main counterpart.

Barramundi 3/5

Finally, a dish not sous vide is Barramundi ($24), oven-grilled then seared for crispy skin, served with ratatouille with charred mussels. For its tender meat and the crisp skin, I could forgive the amount of salt that landed on the fish skin, perhaps accidentally. My favourite part was actually the ratatouille, which was spicy and piquant. The charred mussels didn't quite come into play in this dish.

Breakfast Burg 3/5

Porta's Brunch menu is certainly much more exciting this time round. Breakfast Burg ($18) is a vegetarian burger with roasted whole Portobello mushroom layered with sautéed baby spinach leaves, a thick slice of tomato, and a sunny-side up egg. The star could well be the sunny-side up, which had a tasty charred bottom and a runny yolk, and so yummy with the fluffy brioche buns that were as good on its own after being butter-toasted so thoroughly. The mushroom was a tad too tiny though.

French Toast 3.5/5

What makes the thick brioche French Toast ($16) less ordinary is the layer of caster sugar on top that has been blow-torched to caramelise and cool, and there you have a surface akin to creme brûlée. Topped with tart summer berries and vanilla ice cream, it is a great leap from what I had previously but a bigger scoop of ice cream and a cream tower will make it even more picture and taste perfect.

Spiced Apple Tarte Tatin 4/5

Not all desserts are meant to be shared! Such as this Spiced Apple Tarte Tatin ($14), garnished with buttery salted crumble with bacon bits. The stewed slices of Granny Smith apples were sweet and tart, and the Rum and Raisin ice cream bind the elements together in harmony.

Key Lime Meringue 2.5

Black Forest 3/5

The Key Lime Meringue ($14) was a good effort but I couldn't quite appreciate its taste. Whereas the more familiar Black Forest ($14) was more pleasing with its rich and dark chocolate lava. A simple vanilla ice cream, however, would have been more complimentary than whipped coconut cream where are meant to make the dessert less heavy. Well, I guess some classic pairings still work the best.

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.


Porta Fine Food & Import Company
Park Hotel Clarke Quay
1 Unity Street
Singapore 237983
Tel: +65 65938888
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight At Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to junction of River Valley Road and Clemenceau Ave. Cross the road and turn left onto Clemenceau Ave. Walk down Clemenceau Ave. Turn right onto Unity Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to bus stop at Clark Quay Station (Stop ID 04222). Take bus number 54. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to the end UE Square Shopping Mall. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Ninja Bowl @ Duxton Road - Turns Two With A Whole New Slew Of Hearty Dishes

Ninja Bowl at Duxton Road celebrates its 2nd anniversary with a refreshed menu. In addition to the whole new slew of hearty dishes, it has for the first time introduce a range of pasta dishes too.

Tamago Sandwich 4.2/5

For our lunch, we started with the Tamago Sandwich ($16). The soft and fluffy tamogo is coated with a layer of melted gouda cheese for that extra oomph and sandwiched in between a croissant. Besides that, it is further accompanied with a side of Japanese curry minced beef and an onsen egg. You can even use the croissant to wipe the plate clean.

Hokkaido 4/5

For the seafood lover, there is Hokkaido ($16) which comes with tempura-battered fish fillet and soft shell crab. The tendon rice bowl is pretty substantial. Instead of the usual tendon sauce, homemade chilli crab sauce is used for a local twist.

Harajuku 4.5/5

It is probably hard to tell from the picture but on the plate is a whole roasted cauliflower. The Harajuku ($18) is a roasted cauliflower steak topped with tempura bits and pine nuts. Accompanying the dish is yaki unagi that has been glazed with kebayaki sauce and creamy mac & cheese. The combination may sounds a weird but surprisingly it works.

Ohayo 4/5

Last but not least we had the Ohayo ($20). The savoury-sweet combination can either be a brunch item or dessert. Two fluffy French toast is paired with maple-glazed pork belly, pomegranate. rocket, momo tomatoes and burrata. I feel the milky and buttery burrata cheese plays an important role in harmonizing the whole dish.

The new menu at Ninja Bowl has definitely delivered new excitement to the table, giving more reasons for guest to return. It once again has impressed me with their new creations.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ninja Bowl
15 Duxton Road
Singapore 089481
Tel: +65 62228055
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 930am - 930pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. At Orchid Hotel turn right onto Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road to the opposite side of Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk along Tanjong Pagar Road to Duxton Hill. Turn left onto Duxton Hill and then turn right on Duxton Road. Journey time about 15 mins. [Map]

Colonial Club @ Changi Airport Terminal 3 - Discover Singapore's Heritage Story

A new restaurant has landed at Changi Airport Terminal 3 offering colonial favourites from different parts of Singapore, Penang and Malacca. Colonial Club is located at the departure hall, level 3 of Changi Airport Terminal 3.

Colonial Platter 3.5/5

Good for sharing is the Colonial Platter ($18.90) which comes with kueh pie tee, satay, inche kabin (nyonya fried chicken) and popiah. There is something for everyone. A delectable starter before the mains are served.

Otak Otak 4/5 and Roti Ayam 4/5

Inche Cabin Chicken 3.5/5

If you are not into a full meal, there are also delectable snacks such as Otak Otak ($6.90), Roti Ayam ($8.90) and Inche Cabin Chicken ($13.90). The Otak Otak, wrapped in banana leaf boosts the aroma of the spices mix in the fish paste. The Roti Ayam comes in a parcel of egg washed bread that has been pan fried and stuffed with chicken meat fillings marinated with Asian spices. Not forgetting the Inche Cabin Chicken which has been marinated withover 10 spices and coconut milk, then deep fried to crispy.

Straits Nonya Laksa with Soft Shell Crab 4.2/5

The Straits Nonya Laksa with Soft Shell Crab ($18.90) comes in a spicy rich coconut broth with rice vermicelli, cucumber, egg, fish, tofu, prawns and soft shell crab. The chef even travelled to Malacca to learn from local chefs. Its definitely a delicious bowl of laksa but its rather pricey.

Signature Colonial Club Nasi Lemak 4/5

The Signature Colonial Club Nasi Lemak ($15.90) is staked up into a tower. At the base is a piece of otak otak, followed by the fragrant blue pea rice, cucumber, fried egg and short rib rendang. I really applaud the effort to plate a simple nasi lemak into such a beautiful dish.

Colonial Style Hainanese Chicken Chop 3.8/5

Tender and juicy is the Colonial Style Hainanese Chicken Chop ($15.90). The chicken thigh coated with cracker crust is pan fried and then drenched in a special in-house tomato Worcestershire sauce. I love the addition of cubed fruits for that invigorating bite and fruity finishing.

Colonial Style Oxtail Stew with Toasted Bagutte 4/5

A classic dish on the menu is the Colonial Style Oxtail Stew with Toasted Bagutte ($15.90). Cooked for hours, the oxtail falls off the bone with ease. You can also find potatoes and carrot in the rich gravy. The best way is to enjoy it is to pick up the toasted baguette to mop up the piquant stew.

Kapitan Chicken Curry 4.2/5

Comes in a thick and creamy gravy is the Kapitan Chicken Curry ($13.90). The chicken is chopped into chunky pieces with big pieces of potatoes. It is great to go a bowl of rice or some toasted baguette to soak up that delicious gravy.

Crispy Skin Roast Chicken with Aromatic Hainanese Chicken Rice 4/5

You can find chicken rice almost at every corner of Singapore, so what makes the Crispy Skin Roast Chicken with Aromatic Hainanese Chicken Rice ($18 half/ $36 full) special here? Well I can't say it is special but definitely a notch better than a lot of chicken rice stalls out there. The succulent chicken has a delectable crisp on its skin and this is paired with aromatic rice. Not forgetting the chilli and ginger scallion sauces, which is an essential for the whole packet.

The menu at Colonial Club is quite huge catering for both tourist and local. This is a great place for tourist to get a bite of our local delicacies before leaving Singapore. However I do find the price a bit on the steep side but then its a known fact that food at airports are usually more expensive.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Colonial Club
Changi Airport Terminal 3
Departure Hall
65 Airport Boulevard
#03-33
Singapore 819633
Tel: +65 62140268
Website
Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily; 1030am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Changi Airport. Take Exit B. Walk to Departure Hall. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]