Jurassic World Cafe @ ION Sky - Dinosaur-theme Cafe Pop Up

Time travel back millions of years with Southeast Asia’s very first Jurassic World Cafe! Based on the original concept in Japan, this exclusive two-month pop-up is located at Level 56 of ION Orchard and will run from now till 3 January 2021. For the dino-enthusiasts, you can now enjoy the scenic view of the Singapore skyline from ION Sky while feasting on themed menu items amid the jungle-themed decor complete with LED displays of dinosaurs. There are also dinosaur-printed posters wrapped around the viewing gallery’s pillars. Be greeted by a life-sized model of Blue, the fan-favourite Velociraptor made famous by the sequel, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom as you enter. Don't forget to take photos at the dinosaur theme photo booth as well!

Mosasaurus Soda 3.5/5, Iced Latte 3.8/5

Starting with the drinks, we had the Mosasaurus Soda ($8) - a mystical ombre blue drink that comes in 2 distinctive coloured layers, served with pineapple cubes and blueberries. It was a very refreshing drink with a strong minty taste, albeit a somewhat muted one-dimensional flavour instead of having a more pronounced tropical fruity flavour that we had hoped for. While the Iced Latte ($7) was relatively decent, if your love your lattes hot, you’ll enjoy the hot version with dinosaur images imprinted atop the foam.

Volcano Curry 4/5

Our favourite among the dinosaur-theme mains was the Volcano Curry ($23) that comes with pulled pork, and potato cubes slathered in a generous portion of curry sauce and served with a side of sunny lettuce and pea tendrils. Mimicking the hot lava spewing from the active volcano in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (represented by the small mountain of charcoal rice), we love the flavourful and slightly spicy curry, together with the tender meat and potato. It also comes with a postcard with a picture of an erupting volcano that you can stack it behind the plate for an instagrammable shot of the dish.

Jurassic World Burger 3.8/5

The Jurassic World Burger ($28) features a beef patty sandwiched in between 2 charcoal buns, together with crispy bacon slices, cheese, tomatoes, purple cabbage and mushrooms. The dish was also served with crispy fried potato wedges on the side, and three streaks of mayo sauce resembling claw marks drawn on the plate. Although the thick beef patty was a tad dry and hard on the outside, it packed a lot more juiciness within, with a more tender texture.

Fossil Excavation Cake 4/5

We ended the meal with the Fossil Excavation Cake ($16) which consists of a base layer of light sponge cake, vanilla and white chocolate mousse, and topped with generous amounts of crushed oreo crumbs. The dessert was light and not as overly sweet. It paired well with a side of strawberries and vanilla ice cream.

There is also a dedicated merchandise section available where you will find limited edition Jurassic collectables, such as the Jurassic World Lego sets, Snap Squad figures, and the cafe-exclusive Blue plushie keychain.

While the food and drinks were pretty enjoyable, we feel that there could have been more decor spent for the interiors - with more dinosaurs, installations and greeneries to create a better jungle-like and immersive experience for the Jurassic lovers. The cafe will operate from 11am to 10pm daily. Tables will be available for reservations from 6 November 2020 onwards. To book your table, you can call 8028 1489, or email reservation@jurassicworldcafe.sg

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.


Jurassic World Cafe
ION Sky
Level 56
2 Orchard Turn
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 80281489
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am – 10pm

Directions:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Bacha Coffee @ ION Orchard - Features Over 200 Types Of Coffee Around The World

First established in Marrakech in 1910, Bacha Coffee has set up its first coffee room and boutique outside of Marrakech at ION Orchard. Features over 200 single-origin coffees, fine flavoured coffees and fine blended coffees, the Arabica coffee beans are sourced from Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Asia and beyond, gathered and hand-roasted in Singapore. The interior is quite opulent, and I learnt Bacha at ION inherits the grandeur of Bacha Coffee's first coffee room in the Dar el Bacha Palace, where it still remains till date.

While you can select your choice of coffee according to their flavour profiles stated in the list, feel free to turn to any of the coffee masters for suggestions! All 200 of the Bacha coffees are served either hot or iced poured from gooseneck Bacha coffee pots, and you get to vary each cup of your coffee with its signature Bacha Coffee whipped cream, steamed milk, raw sugar and cracked vanilla bean.

From Single Origin Coffees, Fine Blended Coffees and Fine Flavoured Coffee, we tried Ethiopia - Sidamo Mountain Coffee ($9/pot), Saigon Morning Coffee ($9/pot) and 1910 Coffee ($9/pot) respectively. Each pot of coffee speaks true to its descriptions, especially for 1910 Coffee, which carries notes of strawberries and cream that lingers on the tongue even long after the cup returns to the table. It was quite a revelation to be able to 'read' coffee in such a manner, as I managed to do it once in Perth at a small cafe.

Coffee with cracked vanilla bean

Surprise, surprise. The coffee that I will return for is Kahwa! Kahwa! Decaffeinated Coffee ($9/pot) from the list of Fine Decaffeinated Coffees. Naturally C0₂ decaffeinated, decaffeinated coffee has never tasted so good. Instead of dulling the tastebuds, which I feel most coffees do, this seemed to have the ability to open up my senses even more.

Croissants 3.8/5

The menu is designed to enhance the coffee drinking experience, offerings include signature croissants with an array of sweet or savoury fillings, pastries, salads and mains. After trying a few of their pastries and dishes offered on their menu, I find the croissants ($8 for 2) are still the best accompaniments to my coffee. The simple formula of butter and coffee just seems so right.

Orange Almond Croissant

Nothing beats Butter Croissant, which you can fully appreciate the lovely aroma of the butter and the airiness of the croissant. The middle portion is where the dough has fully bloomed, with a crisp layer wrapping around it. I couldn't help but to tear it with my fingers and savour it. I like the size of it because compared to a larger one, you get four edges to munch on! As for the flavoured ones, you can't go wrong with the citrusy Orange Almond and Lemon. The tart Raspberry and Cinnamon will have been better if it isn't so sweet. 1910 Coffee and Chocolate sounds promising, but the chocolate filling wasn't to my liking. Pistachio disappoints with its flavourless filling.

Comte Cheese Croissant

Comte Cheese Croissant ($18) was voted one of the favourites too. It was loaded with warm, melted sharp cheese. Its dainty size comes in handy, as it may be too rich if it's any inch bigger.

Cucumber Tzatziki 2.8/5

On the menu, there are also Salads and Mains. Cucumber Tzatziki ($20) comes with caramelised watermelon and shredded cucumbers. Refreshing but it lacks some warm elements such as nuts or nutty dressings to balance the fresh ingredients.

Barramundi Tajine 4/5

For mains, Barramundi Tajine ($26) was wholesome and hearty with chunks of vegetables, with the Barramundi moist and tender. The broth was robust with seafood flavours, zesty and uplifting with spices.

Moroccan Pastilla 3.5/5

Traditionally made with pigeon, the Moroccan Pastilla ($24) here is made with chicken. Although I have never tried the original version before, this to me was delicious, especially when the filo crust was pleasingly thin and crisp. Again, I love the spices used in the filling, which add tons of flavours to the filling without being overpowering.

Strawberry Soup with Vanilla Ice Cream 3/5

We had a plated dessert as well - Strawberry Soup with Vanilla Ice Cream ($12), alongside with other pastries - Chocolate, Cocoa Bean Cake ($8), Tiramisu ($12) and Pandan Cheesecake ($9). The Strawberry soup was light and not cloyingly sweet. I like the density of the Chocolate and Cocoa Bean Cake, but it lacks richness. The Tiramisu is a child-friendly version, while the latter isn't worth the calories I would say.

Overall, I'm pretty impressed by the standard of coffee at Bacha, where each cup of coffee, served black, is distinctively different from one another. Bacha Coffee’s retail selection includes loose beans as well as coffees and single-serve coffee bags. Loose beans can be purchased by weight and ground to your specifications.

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.


Bacha Coffee
ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#01-15/16
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 63631910
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 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]

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
Facebook
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]

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]

Lee's Confectionery @ Jurong East - Hidden Patisserie Gem In The West

Is there any good cafe in the West? I could not name any until the opening of Lee's Confectionery at Jurong East by owner and baker Yin Quan. It caught the attention of social media with its dainty cakes and tarts, that is individually plated.

While the social media is focused on the beautifully plated cakes and tarts, the coffee at Lee's Confectionery is worthy of a shout out. Although the coffee does not come with elegant latte arts, they are quality coffee using the beans from Tiong Hoe.

Dale 3.5/5

The most instagrammed cake at Lee's Confectionery has to be their Dale ($8). A matcha sponge cake with passionfruit compote on a crunchy tart base. For matcha lovers, they will like the rich and distinct taste of the matcha powder. I also like the tartness from the passionfruit compote which cuts the bitterness of the matcha powder while the crunchy tart base provides the textural contrast. However I find the sponge cake on the dense side and also least stand out in taste among the rest of the selections.

Madu 4.2/5

One of my favourite cake is the Madu ($8). Shaped and plated like a honeycomb, the cake consists of a honey and caramel centre with lightly whipped Horlicks cream. It even comes with a crunchy honey conflake base.

Lemon Tart 4.2/5

The Tart ($8) is basically a lemon tart filled with lime cream. It is not overly sour with the right balance of tang and sweetness. This is definitely one of the better lemon tarts I have eaten.

Jiao 4.2/5

Jiao ($8) pronounces in Chinese means banana, which is an appropriate name for the banana sponge cake with cinnamon and oat crumble. The cake itself is moist with a distinct banana flavour, which brought back childhood memories. An elevated version of the traditional banana cake.

Puck 4.2/5

What an interesting name to call the dark chocolate cake with sea salt the Puck ($8). A closer look of the cake does really look like a hockey puck, a disc shaped ball for hockey game. A game winner for chocolate lover, with the sea salt giving it a finale finishing.

Puff 4.5/5

The ultimate winner for us goes to the Puff ($8). Sandwiched between the flaky puff pastry shells is a unique combination of kaya and earl grey tea that works harmoniously together.

Lee's Confectionery is definitely on shining gem in the neighbourhood of Jurong. Their cakes are definitely worth the journey to the West. As the cakes are individually plated upon order, one needs to be patient. Operationally I think they may have to fine tune their process when they become crowded.


Lee's Confectionery
Blk 343 Jurong East Street 41
#01-59
Singapore 600343
Tel: +65 91838447
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinese Garden (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Thu-Tue: 12pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 10pm
(Closed on Wed)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Chinese Garden MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk towards the overhead bridge. Cross the road to the other side of the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]