Puzzle Coffee @ Dempsey Hill - Cafe from Melbourne Opens Flagship Outlet With An All-Day Menu

Puzzle Coffee at Dempsey Hill, the brand's flagship and second outlet in Singapore, introduces a new all-day menu showcasing a mix of local and international flavours.

Reuben Toastie 4/5

One of the standout dishes is the Reuben Toastie ($20), a substantial sandwich filled with house-prepared beef brisket, tangy sauerkraut, and rich Gruyère cheese, all held together with light rye sourdough. The spread of Dijon mustard adds a great balance to the richness, though some pieces of the beef were overly chewy, which detracted from the overall enjoyment.

Chia Seed Pudding 2.5/5

The Chia Seed Pudding ($17) impressed me with its presentation, reminiscent of what I have had in Melbourne. The pudding is made by infusing almond milk with chai tea leaves and blended with chia seeds and pitted dates. However, the almond milk, being quite thin, didn't allow the chia seeds to bloom into the desired pudding texture. There wasn't much taste or flavour coming through from the pudding other than a hint of sweetness. It would have benefited from a richer base, like coconut cream or yoghurt, to have a better pudding texture and a taste that complements the tropical dragonfruit sorbet and fresh fruit topping.

Buttermilk Pancakes 4.2/5

The Buttermilk Pancakes ($25) were well-executed, with a nicely brown exterior and fluffy interior. The layer of creamy and citrusy cheesecake mousse and whipped cream atop was a boast to the texture, made moreish with sweet and tart mixed berry compote spread between the pancakes.

Chilli Scramble Eggs 4.5/5

Amongst the various versions of Chilli Scramble Eggs I had tried this year, this Chilli Scrambled Eggs ($26) stood out with its in-house chilli jam spread. Gorgeously yellow scrambled eggs on grilled sourdough, the jam, crafted from fresh tomatoes, chilli peppers, and spices, provided a fruity and sweet contrast. The sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese added a creamy and savoury element, but the diced jalapeños were a bit too assertive for the dish.

Prawn Linguine 4.5/5

The Prawn Linguine ($30) was delicious, with perfectly cooked, succulent prawns that had an almost creamy texture. The al dente pasta was tossed in a sauce made from slow-cooked capers, chilli, dill, and cherry tomatoes, with a touch of white wine and butter to finish.

Thai Mango Salad 3.5/5

The Thai Mango Salad ($24), a milder version of the classic som tam, was tasty but lacked the punch one might expect, and at this price point, there are wiser options on the menu.

Brown Sugar Boba Cake 2/5, Matcha Lava Cake 2/5, Cold-Drip Tiramisu 4/5

For desserts, we tried the Brown Sugar Boba Cake ($21), Matcha Lava Cake ($22), and Cold-Drip Tiramisu ($21), and they were rather mediocre compared to the mains. The boba pearls for the cake were tough, and the matcha lava cake, while texturally good, was overwhelmingly sweet with occasional chocolatey notes. The tiramisu, with its layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, Kahlua, and Marsala wine, was the best of the trio, offering a good balance of bitterness and sweetness. Still, you might be better off opting for pancakes or pastries for desserts at these prices.

Strawberry Matcha

As for beverages, beyond their coffee offerings, the Strawberry Matcha (from $6.50) is worth trying if you're in the mood for something different.

To celebrate its opening, Puzzle Coffee at Dempsey Hill offers two promotions from 30 September to 13 October 2024.
1. Buy one-get-one free for all coffee and iced drinks
2. 10% off all food items

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.


Puzzle Coffee
Dempsey Hill
71 Loewen Road
#01-02
Singapore 248846
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Operating Hours:
Daily: 8am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop at Napier MRT station (Stop ID 13011). Take bus numbe 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123, and 174. Alight 2 stops later. Walk up the hill to block 26, and make your way to Harding Road. Continue on Harding Road and turn right onto Loewen Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Butcher's Block @ Raffles Hotel Singapore - The All New Summer IMUA Tasting Menu

Housed in the magnificent heritage Raffles Singapore Hotel, Butcher's Block is a refined culinary destination that showcases contemporary wood-fired cooking. The restaurant features a custom-built wood-fired oven and grill to bring out the rich flavours of meat, seafood, and vegetables in their full glory. Butcher's Block emphasises a whole-animal, zero-waste philosophy and processes every part of the animal in-house.

With Chef Jordan Keao at the helm, this summer's IMUA Tasting Menu is a culinary tribute to his homeland, Hawai'i. Come savour an enticing array of dishes inspired by the tropical beauty and nostalgic flavours of his native island. The summer IMUA tasting menu is offered from 1 August till the end of October 2024 for both lunch (S$168++ for five courses) and dinner (S$218++ for six courses).

Brioche Bread 3.8/5

While waiting for dinner, we had a serving of their Brioche Bread. It is not as pillowy soft as other brioches I've had recently, but it is still pretty nice. The butter is excellent and has both furikake and kombu seasoning.

Wagyu Beef Pipikaula 4.5/5

Opening the IMUA tasting menu is a line-up of four tantalising, refined bite-sized creations. Firstly, the Wagyu Beef Pipikaula honours the tradition of Hawai'ian beef jerky made by local cowboys. The Butcher's Block version uses Blackmore Farm's Wagyu rump, marinated in a house-blend garlic shoyu and aged up to two months. The beef is served on beef fat rice with a topping of yuzu kosho aioli. It's such a flavour bomb!

Ahi Tuna Poké 4.8/5

The second creation is the Ahi Tuna Poké, featuring Butcher's Block's signature Smoked Sashimi Poké. This is traditionally enjoyed by fishermen who seasoned their fresh catches with sea salt, seaweed, and crushed candlenuts. The Butcher's Block version is elevated with cold-smoked tuna belly and a roasted kukui candlenut relish. It's elegantly presented on a garlic chive tuile, accompanied by caviar, ponzu gel, Japanese ogo seaweed, and allium flowers.

Butcher’s Block Farm Sorrel Pancake 4.5/5

Thirdly, the Butcher's Block Farm Sorrel Pancake reflects Hawai'i's diverse cultural influences and takes inspiration from the Korean jeon pancake. It is topped with raw Japanese amaebi and a house-made aioli made from their shells, creating an exceptionally sweet and creamy mouthfeel which is utterly delicious.

Western Plains Lap Cheong 4.2/5

The fourth bite- the Western Plains Lap Cheong embraces the restaurant's whole-animal butchery approach. Minced pork leg and shoulder are marinated with Chinese seasonings, encased, dry-aged for up to four weeks, and then cold-smoked. The sausage slices are dressed in Chinese rice wine vinegar and served atop pork chicharrón, garnished with herbs from the Butcher's Block farm. I'm not usually a fan of Lap Cheong, but my dining companions who like Lap Cheong found this to be their favourite of the four snacks.

Lomi Lomi 4.2/5

Next, we are served the Lomi Lomi, a cold dish that captivates with its visually striking, smoky presentation. The dish features smoked paprika pink trout, which imparts a delicate smokiness and vibrant colour. Accompanying the trout is a refreshing tomato water sorbet, which provides a burst of coolness. There are also charred pearl onion petals and piccolo tomato umeboshi, which introduces an additional layer of brightness.

Huli Huli Dry-aged Duck 4.2/5

The Huli Huli Dry-aged Duck is a signature dish inspired by the beloved Hawai'ian grilled chicken glazed with a sweet sauce. The duck is meticulously dry-aged for a week, enhancing its depth of flavour before being prepared in several distinct ways to highlight its versatility. The breast is further dry-aged, slow-cooked, and glazed with a caramelised shoyu reduction; the leg is confit, and the deboned wing is stuffed with black beans, shallots, and ginger. The dish is further elevated by a rich duck jus made from roasted bones, which adds a deep, savoury note. Accompanying elements are burnt eggplant puree, pickled red beets, charred beet leaves, fried frisée, and grilled garlic. My favourite part of this dish was the confit leg, which was the most tender.

Grilled Seabass 4.5/5

This Grilled Seabass highlights the delicate flavours of farmed seabass from Corsica, which is aged for four days to enhance its richness before being expertly grilled. The seabass is served over a bed of sushi rice and artfully complemented by ribbons of fresh summer squash, yellow corn curry and grilled sweet potato leaves. Adding a touch of the sea, crisp samphire seaweed brings a briny, crunchy contrast. Each component is thoughtfully prepared to enhance the overall experience, creating a well-rounded, tasty dish.

Blackmore Farm Wagyu Beef Trio 4.2/5

Moving on to the final main plate of the evening, the Blackmore Farm Wagyu Beef Trio presents a showcase of premium Wagyu cuts, each meticulously prepared to highlight its exceptional quality. This dish features a carefully curated selection of Wagyu cuts, each treated with a different cooking technique to bring out its unique flavours and textures. The preparation includes grilling, which imparts a charred, smoky flavour; smoking, which adds a deep, complex aroma; and ambient heat cooking, which ensures tenderness and rich, unadulterated beef flavour. The Wagyu beef trio is served with an array of complementary accompaniments such as grilled oyster mushrooms, vibrant mustard frills and a creamy potato puree. To add a touch of tangy contrast, house-fermented raspberries are included.

Rosella & Pink Guava Shaved Ice 3/5

The Rosella & Pink Guava Shaved Ice is presented in a fluffy kakigori style for dessert. The base of this treat is shaved from a block of ice that has been frozen with a blend of dried rosella flower 'tea' and pink guava puree. It is finished with a drizzle of condensed milk and is dusted with 'Li Hing Mui' dried plum powder. I was not such a fan of this dessert as I found it repetitive in taste and texture after a few spoonfuls.

Petit Fours

Last but not least, we had petit fours, which consisted of a chocolate bonbon, a sweet jelly and a financier. A nice sweet end to dinner!

Butcher's Block is also well-known for its excellent wine programme, with very knowledgeable and experienced sommeliers and an extensive wine list of nearly 300 labels, including rare and limited-edition selections. Elevate your dinner experience with a tailored wine pairing option, which comes at S$118++ for five glasses and S$138++ for six glasses.

Discerning guests will be pleased to know that Butcher's Block has been inducted into the exclusive Dom Pérignon society. For ultimate luxury, the Dom Pérignon Experience (S$408++) comes with 2 curated glasses of Dom Pérignon alongside 3 glasses of handpicked premium wines orchestrated for pure indulgence. Dom Pérignon is also available by the glass at S$98++.

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Butcher's Block
Raffles Hotel Singapore
Raffles Arcade
328 North Bridge Road
#02-02
Singapore 188719
Tel: +65 6337 1886
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch (Thu-Sun): 12pm - 230pm
Dinner (Wed-Sun): 6pm - 945pm
(Closed on Mon and Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Junction of North Bridge Road and Bras Basah Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to Beach Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Akira Back @ JW Marriott Singapore South Beach - Akira Back Brunch Club: A Newly Introduced Social Affair of Flowing Brunch on Saturdays

Akira Back at JW Marriott Singapore South Beach has introduced its very own Akira Back Brunch Club, reimagining the traditional Sunday brunch experience and offering it exclusively on Saturdays. The menu reflects Chef Akira Back's heritage, blending modern Japanese cuisine with a Korean flair.

Tuna & Mushroom Pizza 3/5

Wagyu Taco 3/5

Starters are all about the crunch. We began with Tuna & Mushroom Pizza and Wagyu Taco, both featuring a crunch element — a crisp and thin pizza base and a crunchy taco, respectively. The pizza was elegant, topped with paper-thin slices of tuna and mushrooms over the equally thin base, although I found the truffle aroma to be a tad overpowering. The wagyu taco whetted our appetites with its unctuous mouthfeel.

Japanese Oysters 4.5/5

Next, we enjoyed Fresh Harvest, showcasing Japanese Oysters accompanied by various condiments. I highly recommend trying the fresh oyster with yuzu, which lent an extra zing to the oceany taste.

Sashimi and Nigiri 4/5

Following this was free-flow Sashimi and Nigiri, laid out in a stunning presentation that was a feast for the eyes. The selection included Salmon, Akami, Spanish Mackerel, Seabream, and two types of Maki Rolls. I was pleasantly surprised by how flavourful the Akami was, given that it is a lean meat. The Red Dragon maki and Spicy Garden maki spiced up the course with spice and heat, with the latter reminiscent of gimbap sans the sesame seaweed.

Mung Bean Pancake with AB Kimchi Salad.3.5/5

From the Korean Heritage section, we had a Mung Bean Pancake with AB Kimchi Salad. Including such a traditional dish was delightful, as I rarely experienced such a homely dish. However, I wonder if it could be less greasy. The accompanying salad was a star on its own — fresh and crisp, aromatic with sesame oil and kimchi sauce.

Kanpachi Kama 4/5

The Hot Collection is also free-flowing and was a highlight of the menu. The Kanpachi Kama was perfectly grilled, retaining its moisture and tender flesh. The accompanying yuzu puree accentuated its naturally sweet flavour.

Beef Toban 4.8/5

The Beef Toban came sizzling hot, and the aroma of the caramelising sauce was simply divine. The sauce was umami with a bit of tang, sweetened with caramelised onions. The mushrooms and beef dressed in the sauce delivered the utmost satisfaction.

Rock Shrimp Tempura 4.8/5

Rock Shrimp Tempura was a bowl of battered rock shrimp chunks topped with a slightly sweet, creamy, tangy sauce. The batter wasn't exactly tempura-style, but it was thin and delectable, with a chewy texture that gave a textural contrast to the firm and slightly crunchy texture of the rock shrimp.

Dessert 4/5

Dessert was an artful experience featuring the AB Cigar, Glossy Apple-Y, and aromatic Hojicha Ice Cream.

Akira Back Brunch Club is available every Saturday, from 12pm at $98.00++ per person.

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.


Akira Back
JW Marriott Singapore South Beach
30 Beach Road
Level B1M
Singapore 189763
Tel: +65 68181914
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction: 1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Common Man Coffee Roasters @ Alexandra - Launches a Refreshed All-day Menu

Common Man Coffee Roasters (CMCR) at Alexandra has recently launched a refreshed all-day menu featuring over ten delectable new items, from all-day breakfast options to classic dishes. The beverage selections have also been updated with a new range of seasonal coffee concoctions, combining CMCR coffees with housemade infusions.

Breakfast Pancakes 4/5

From the breakfast selections, we tried an amped-up version of Breakfast Pancakes ($26). These brown butter pancakes were fluffy with a pronounced butteriness, served alongside rich, luscious scrambled eggs and crispy bacon. The dish was served with maple butter syrup to bring the flavours together, creating a delightful balance of sweet and savoury notes. Adding burnt feta sprinkles enhanced the dish's savoriness, making it a standout breakfast option.

Common Man Full Breakfast 4/5

The mainstay Common Man Full Breakfast ($30) continues to be a popular choice. Besides the generous portion size, the housemade elements, such as the hash browns and pork sausage, set it apart. The chorizo baked beans were flavorful, although they could benefit from a longer cooking time to achieve the desired softer texture.

Rainbow Rice Bowl w/chicken 4/5

We had the Rainbow Rice Bowl ($24) from the Classics, a wholesome dish made with organic brown rice, housemade spicy pineapple kimchi, sweet potato chips, daikon, and crispy buckwheat. A poached egg crowned the rice, serving as a natural sauce that brought all the elements together. The texture and flavour of this dish were excellent — the rice had a good bite and a nuttier taste, which mingled well with the other ingredients. The kimchi was piquant, with sweetness coming through from the sweet potato chips, while the crispy buckwheat added a delectable crunch and extra nutty nuances. We opted for the grilled chili chicken add-on, but smoked salmon ($8) is also available as an alternative.

King Prawn Mac & Cheese 4.5/5

A highlight for me is the King Prawn Mac & Cheese ($28) under the pasta selection. It featured chunky sautéed king prawns with just the right amount of béchamel and cheese to coat the macaroni. The flavours were well-balanced, using assertive cheeses like red cheddar and Parmigiano-Reggiano and incorporating bitter greens such as kale into the creamy mix. The texture of the succulent prawns and al dente macaroni was spot-on, and the addition of sourdough crumbs boosted the overall enjoyment of the dish, such as fruit extracts, juices, nut milk, and spice extracts.

Beet Box

Do try the new speciality iced drinks. I had a refreshing Beet Box made using cold brew, sweet and tart with raspberry, beetroot, pomegranate, and dragonfruit. There are also other caffeinated options with a bolder coffee flavour, such as Going Bananas, which is made using housemade banana syrup.

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.


Common Man Coffee Roasters
368 Alexandra Road
#01-01
Singapore 159952
Tel: +65 6877 4872
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Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 730am – 5pm
Tue–Thu, Sun: 730am – 10pm
Fri–Sat: 730am – 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Dal.Komm Playground @ Guoco Midtown - Offering an Expanded Range of Korean-inspired Dishes, alongside a Variety of Korean Alcoholic Beverages

Dal.Komm Coffee has opened a new concept at Guoco Midtown called Dal.Komm Playground offers an expanded range of Korean-inspired dishes alongside a variety of Korean alcoholic beverages, complementing their original cafe offerings.

Pan-fried Sotteok 4/5

From the Small Bites menu, we sampled the Pan-fried Sotteok ($16.90). This dish was a delight, featuring mouthwatering cheese sausages and chewy rice cake. The tomatoey sauce had a hint of spiciness, and the caramelized onions added a delectable sweetness that helped mellow the cheese sausage's saltiness.

Seafood Pancake 4.5/5

Next, from the Sharing Plates, we enjoyed a delicious Seafood Pancake ($23.90). Packed with shrimp and squid, the pancake boasted a juicy and chewy interior contrasted with a crisp exterior. The accompanying vinegary dipping sauce enhanced each bite, making the dish even more irresistible.

Galbi-Jjim with Mashed Potato 4.8/5

The Galbi-Jjim with Mashed Potato ($28.90) was exceptional for mains. The slab of braised beef was incredibly fork-tender and flavourful, and the accompanying carrots, radish, and mushrooms added a comforting taste. The buttery mashed potato further elevated the marbled meat's overall texture and indulgence.

Spicy Ssamjang Prawn Noodles 3.8/5

The Spicy Ssamjang Prawn Noodles ($20.90) was a crowd-pleasing fusion pasta dish. The prawns had a satisfying crunch, and the slightly spicy sauce coated the pasta just right. Bursts of sweetness from the blistered cherry tomatoes added a pleasant contrast.

Cruffin French Toast 3/5

For dessert, we had the Cruffin French Toast ($18.90), topped with cream, vanilla ice cream, and a sprinkle of granola. While enjoyable, the experience could have been improved by substituting the granola with salted nut clusters or a similar option for added texture and taste.

Dal.Komm Playground also offers a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The Coffee Cube ($8.90) is one of their signature drinks, and their interesting selection of flavoured Makgeolli is also worth trying.

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.


Dal.Komm Playground
Guoco Midtown
124 Beach Road
#01-08
Singapore 189771
Tel:+65 9008 4886
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT, EW Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun: 10am – 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to Tan Quee Lan Street. Turn left and walk down Tan Quee Lan Street to Beach Road. At Beach Road, cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station Take Exit F. Walk straight down Beach Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]