Three Point Two @ Kampong Bahru - Introducing New Durian Delights, Gelato Bun And Craqueline Puffs

Three Point Two at Kampong Bahru is a gelato cafe that offers a range of specially crafted durian delights for durian aficionados. This cafe is the founders' second outlet, following their successful venture Pang Zi Durian at Jurong West. As durian sellers themselves, one can be assured of the quality of durians used in their ice cream and sweet treats.

First-timers visiting Three Point Two may go for Four Heavenly Kings ($16.80), showcasing two D24 Durian Puffs, two MSW Craquelin Puff, two Durian Mochi and one Durian Mousse. Their Durian Mousse ($5.50, additional D24 shot +$1) made quite an impression during my very first visit to Pang Zi Durian. I love the bittersweet dollop of D24 shot atop the mousse, and its sweetness level was quite on point.

The Durian Puffs are like choux pastry. The lightly crisp exterior that comes with an elevated buttery taste complemented the durian mousse. However, for the durian filling, I would prefer more flesh in it for better textural contrast.

The Mochi was all right. The highlight goes to the MSW Craquelin Puff that has a very indulgent buttery, sugary crust.

Waffle is also on the menu to pair with your gelatos. However, for a more interesting experience, or even a more delicious one, in my opinion, go for its Gelato Bun ($4). It is like a blown-up version of the Craquelin Puff that gives twice the pleasure of eating it. We had ours with Pistachio gelato, seemingly quite popular among its regulars.

Words 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.


Three Point Two
85 Kampong Bahru Road
Singapore 169380
Tel: +65 83669952
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Outram Park (NE Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun: 12pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 2am

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk to New Bridge Road. Left turn and walk down New Bridge Road. Continue onto Kampong Bahru Road. Walk to the row of shophouses along Kampong Bahru Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Da Paolo Gastronomia @ Great World - Latest Addition Centred On An Expanded All-Day Dining And Retail Offering Within An Immersive Setting

Da Paolo Gastronomia at Great World is the latest and the eighth gastronomia concept of the group. The concept offers all-day dining and a full retail selection. Customers at the new outlet can dine, purchase a takeaway or shop for pantry essentials.

Balanced Bowl 4/5

From the Greens and Grains section, customers can customise their bowl from a selection of grains, proteins and vegetables. There is plenty of plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free option to choose from too. A Balanced Bowl ($13.90) comes with two grains & bases, one protein, two vegetables and one dollop. For the meat-lover, the Protein Plus Bowl ($16) comes with an extra protein selection. My balanced bowl comprises summer barley salad, Moroccan Chicken Thigh, Shredded Brussels Sprouts, Turnip & Cranberry Salad, Kale, Broccoli Stems & Beetroot Salad and Vegan Chickpea Hummus.

Salami & Sundried Tomatoes Panini 4.8/5

A must-have is the hearty Salami & Sundried Tomatoes Panini ($18). The freshly baked focaccia is generously packed with salami, sundried tomato mayonnaise, caramelised onions and provolone. It is also grilled to a delightful crisp. The customer has a choice of fries, salad or truffle fries for the accompanying side.

Rucola e Crudo 4.2/5

From the pizza bar, we tried the Rucola e Crudo ($28). The freshly stone-baked Roman thin crust pizza is topped with 24-month old Parma ham, locally grown rocket leaves, shaved parmesan and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil

Spaghettone Carbonara Calabrese 4.5/5

The Spaghettone Carbonara Calabrese ($25) may look simple, but it is packed with flavours. The al dente spaghetti is buried in a pool of spicy Calabrian pork salami (Nduja) cream-based sauce, topped with grated pecorino.

Gelato 4/5

For dessert, customers can go for the house churned Gelato made freshly daily. We had the pistachio, salted caramel and dark chocolate. The flavours are not really exciting but classic. They are rich, dense and creamy. 

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Da Paolo Gastronomia
Great World
1 Kim Seng Promenade
#01-163
Singapore 237994
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Website
Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Pang Zi Durian @ Jurong West Street 41 - Durian Cafe In The West Heavenly Durian Puff, Ice Cream and Mousse

Tucked in a small neighbourhood of Jurong West, Pang Zi Durian is a durian speciality cafe that offers not just homemade durian desserts and artisanal ice creams, but also fresh durians during the high season. Founded by two friends who are both durian lovers, they learnt from scratch and started off as durian sellers at their very first own durian stall last year. The cafe concept was conceived out of practicality in fact. As the high season dwindled, to sustain their business during the low season, in the long run, expanding into a cafe was deemed the way to go.

Durian Mousse 4.5/5

Their Durian Mousse ($5) is a must-try here if you are a durian lover. Made with D24 durians with just cream and no sugar, I love its bittersweetness. It comes with a dollop of D24 durian puree, and an additional $1 will get you an extra serving of it.

Durian Puffs 3.8/5

While I was there, there was a constant buttery aroma wafting from their kitchen as fresh batches of puffs were being churned out. All that aroma in the air comes from their signature is Durian Puffs ($10 for 10 pcs). I'm impressed with the puff pastry, which tasted like a high-quality French Choux pastry, crisp on the outside with goodness filled centre. However, I feel the durian custard mousse was slightly too thin to match up with the pastry.

MSW Durian Ice cream 4.2/5

Their other signature item is MSW Durian Ice Cream. The big chunky pieces of durian flesh will make you just want to dive right into it. The ice cream was rich in durian flavour and loaded with MSW chunks. Like the 2 other items, this tasted like the real deal too, with no artificial fillers in it.

Pistachio Ice Cream 4/5

A wide range of artisanal ice creams is available as well, and a few unique flavours might interest you such as this roasted Pistachio ice cream. It's not in the usual green hue as it is made with roasted pistachio, which gives the ice cream a much more pronounced nuttiness, almost like a roasted black bean to me.

Dark Chocolate Durian 4/5

There are also more refreshing flavours such as Peach Yakult, and Melon Coconut. Especially the Melon Coconut, which is one of the founder's favourite, for its milky, melony flavour that will hit the right spots for you too. One of their latest creations is Dark Chocolate Durian, and if that's intriguing enough, do visit them and have a try.

Photos and words 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.


Pang Zi Durian
Block 492 Jurong West Street 41
#01-18
Singapore 640492
Tel: +65 81939559
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Lakeside (EW Line)

Opening Hours
Daily: 12pm - 10pm

Directions: 
1) Alight at Lake Side MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to bus stop opposite Lakeside MRT station (Stop ID 28099). Take bus number 98 and 187. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Denzy Gelato @ Bishan Street 11 – Awarded As "Singapore's Best Gelato" With Unique And Adventurous Flavours

Located in the heart of Bishan, new and upcoming gelateria, Denzy Gelato was announced as the winner of the inaugural Singapore Gelato Championship on 28 August 2019, earning the prestigious title of "Singapore's Best Gelato". Helmed by founder Damien, he is trained the art of gelato creation in Italy and uses only quality ingredients in his unique handmade ice cream creations. Expect exclusive gelato flavours such as the Persian Prince, Elderflower Mojito, Ruby Chocolate & Raspberries, Basil, and Cereal Milk - adventurous and distinctive flavours which were inspired by this time overseas.

Single Scoop ($3.60) + cone ($0.50) 4/5

We went for the award-winning flavour - Pear, Ginger and Ginger Flower. The gelato has a stronger ginger flavour on a cone, which has a light pear fruit touch and floral finish. Crediting part of his imagination as a time in his youth while observing his father use the ginger flower to prepare Chinese rojak for their customers, owner Damien was determined to create this unique flavour based on exotic local ingredients and eventually won the competition with his innovative craftsmanship and exquisite creation.

Waffles ($5) + 1 scoop ($3) 4.2/5

The quaint 30-seater gelateria also offers waffles, coffee and assorted tea as well. Don't miss out on their waffles when you're here! Extremely crispy outside and fluffy within, the warm waffles is an absolute enjoyment to go with their ice cream. We went for our favourite flavours - a double scoop of the Persian Prince and Skinny Dark Chocolate Sorbet.

The Persian Prince features a combination of almond and saffron (one of the most revered spices in the world). A unique Italy-inspired flavour which you probably cannot find elsewhere in Singapore, it has a creamy, nutty taste. The almonds are also stone-grounded for 10 hours prior, adding to the authenticity of the flavour.

Another signature flavour is the Skinny Dark Chocolate Sorbet, which is a lighter, and more refreshing version to the creamier Dark Chocolate Gelato. It may appeal more to people who favour the non-creamy and delectably light texture of the sorbet while retaining the richness of the chocolate flavour.

Affogato ($6) 4/5

Diners may choose any gelato flavour to go with the Affogato, giving them a chance to create unique flavours to their likings. We opted for the Whiskey & Salted Pecan Brittle to go with the bitterness of the coffee, which gave the affogato a little more of a kick, while the pecan brittles added an addictive crunch.

New gelato flavours are invented every week to keep things fresh and exciting, and the exclusive gelato flavours available only at Denzy Gelato promises a unique and unforgettable experience for all who patronise them. Together with waffles, coffee and tea available, it serves as the perfect dessert chill spot.

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.


Denzy Gelato
Blk 506 Bishan Street 11
#01-404
Singapore 570506
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Bishan (NS Line, CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 1030pm

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

Edge @ Pan Pacific Singapore - Presents An Impressive International Spread With Enhanced Seafood Highlights And Two New Live Stations

Following a revamp in the dinner buffet menu, Edge @ Pan Pacific Singapore presents an enhanced seafood selection, a new Teh Tarik and Cendol "live" station, as well as a daily double-boiled soup counter, alongside an impressive international buffet spread.

Diners can look forward to a line-up of eight nutritious classic double-boiled soups that will be on rotation daily such as the Ginseng Chicken Soup, Black Chicken Herbal Soup, Watercress Red Date Pork Ribs Soup, Traditional ABC Pork Ribs Soup, Lotus Root with Cuttlefish Pork Bone Soup, and more. We had the Double Boiled Old Cucumber Lean Pork Soup which was a welcoming bowl of goodness prior to a night of indulgent feasting.

Available every Wednesday and Thursday from 6.30pm to 10.30pm, Hooked@Edge presents a Neptunian repast with new additions to the seafood on ice selection including Boston Lobsters and Seasonal Oysters alongside the array of International spread that will impress the crustacean lovers with an extensive variety of premium ocean-fresh seafood. Other Highlights include the Knife Shaved Marinated Seafood Raw Bar and finest Crustacean on Ice.

There is also a variety of Sushi and Sashimi for Japanese and seafood lovers to further indulge in.

Enjoy an even more extensive variety of seafood in the hot section, such as the flavourful Tamarind Prawns, Seafood Ragout, Green Curry Flower Crab, Seared Seabass in Onion Thai Plibli sauce and Curry Crayfish Thermidor.

Relish in the local favourites of Chilli Crab with fluffy golden mantous, as well as the Chicken/Beef Satay in fragrant peanut sauce.

Take your pick from the scrumptious range of familiar asian delights such as the Salted Egg Chicken and Sweet Sour Pork.

Make your orders at the live station serving up Singapore-style Hokkien Mee, Prawn Noodle Soup and Nonya Laksa.

Continue to indulge in heartier choices such as the Wood Smoke Roasted Spices Poulet, Herb Confit Salmon Fillet, Crackling Pork Belly and Char Siew.

Not forgetting their new Teh Tarik station, where your cup of aromatic Teh Tarik will be freshly brewed on the spot. Smooth and not overly sweet, the warm cup of Teh Tarik is definiely the perfect drink to go along with the savouries.

The feasting is complete with a magnificent display of desserts including a selection of Nama Chocolate that comes in 3 flavours of matcha, rum and passionfruit, a wide assortment of delicious cakes, Bread & Butter Pudding, Apple & Strawberry Crumble, gelato with flavours including Thai Milk Tea and Matcha Azuki, as well as green tea waffles. Diners can even DIY their own ice cream wafles with an assortment of spread, chocolates, biscuits and sprinkles.

Pricing
Date: Mondays
Time: 630pm to 1030pm
$78 per adult, $39 per child (ages six to 12)

Date: Tuesdays (Surf & Turf)
Time: 630pm to 1030pm
$78 per adult, $39 per child (ages six to 12)

Date: Wednesdays and Thursdays (Hooked@Edge)
Time: 630pm to 1030pm
$88 per adult, $44 per child (ages six to 12)

Date: Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Time: 630pm to 1030pm
$88 per adult, $44 per child (ages six to 12)

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Edge
Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore
Level 3
7 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039595
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sun: 12pm - 4pm, 630pm - 1030pm

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

Don Don Donki @ Orchard Central – Don Quijote Launches First Flagship Store In Singapore

Japanese discount store Don Quijote partnered with its holding company for overseas operations, Pan Pacific International Holdings Pte Ltd to launch its first ever Southeast Asian store outside of Japan, Don Don Donki store in Orchard Central which is opened to the public from 1st December 2017. Aimed to position itself as the "Japanese Brand Specialist" by offering products that are either made or designed in Japan, it also curates a unique retail experience with focuses on convenience, quality and price affordability through the store's refreshing concept and design.

Occupying a double-storey retail space that spans 1,397 sq m at basement B1 and B2 of the mall, it operates 24 hours, seven days a week, and features a wide array of authentic Japanese merchandise that define the Donki experience, yet carefully selected to suit local preferences. The broad diversity of products, estimated at a jaw-dropping 30,000 items ranges from daily household items, cosmetics, stationery, kitchen goods, novelty items to fresh foods and beverages amongst many others. One would be able to find almost anything at Don Don Donki. It's akin to the Japanese version of Singapore's Mustafa.

A Hokkaido themed retail experience is adopted, having a third of its specialty offerings curated from Hokkaido, including fresh meat, fish and produce such as the Tokachi Beef. The bottom basement level boasts a mega huge super mart filled with a wide variety of fresh meat produce, such as packages of fresh seafood and premium cuts of beef, Tokachi Hokkaido Wagyu (Kobe) beef at $20 per 100g which is imported directly from Japan. We tasted a sample of it during the media preview. With a texture so tender and succulent that just melts in the mouth with each bite, it is definitely more than enough to warrant return purchases for their fresh meats.

Don Don Donki also features a ready to eat section with bento boxes, onigiri and gelato made from Hokkaido milk, where customers can purchase and immediately tuck into these takeaways.

Fruits and vegetables are restocked daily to ensure its freshness. The myriad of colourful fresh produce on display showcases a very rare variety of Japanese such as the Mutsu and Kurenaino Yame. They come in mega sizes and are priced at $2.90 each. The sweetness, sourness and hardness levels of each apple variety are displayed on the signboards for customers to differentiate and make their most preferred choice.

A plethora of Japanese nibbles occupying rows and rows of shelves would definitely render shoppers spoilt for choices with the huge varieties of snack items available. It is akin to heaven for all kids and adults alike.

The drinks section features a variety of Japanese alcoholic drinks, as well as non alcoholic ones such as the juices and soy milk beverages. If you’re brave enough, do try their Natto Sodas and Salty Squid drinks, which are labelled as the most disgusting drinks in Japan.

The second storey of Don Don Donki features essentials, household items, cosmetics, luggage, stationery, as well as toy plushies, quirky accessories, costumes and party goods. The section which would most possibly trigger potential impulse buys, you might spend more time exploring the multitude of interesting items that they have there than you intended to.

With the festive season just around the corner, the shelves are piled high with Christmas goods, decorations and festive wear. This is the perfect place to do some of your Christmas shopping, and just in time too!

In partnership with Hokkaido Marche, a dine-in space will be rolled out in Jan 2018 to further enhance the true Hokkaido dining experience. The exact opening hours for Hokkaido Marche will be confirmed nearer to the opening date. Good new is that Don Don Donki is set to open a second outlet in Tanjong Pagar mid-June 2018. There are also plans for further expansion into Asia, with a store launching in Thailand next December.

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.


Don Don Donki
Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
Singapore 238896
#B1-15 to #B1-29,
#B2-01 to #B2-10,
#B2-30 to #B2-43
Tel: +65 69283043
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours: 
Daily: 24 Hours

Direction:
Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit C or D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]