Common Man Coffee Roasters @ Alexandra - New Outlet Housed In A Heritage Building

Common Man Coffee Roasters has recently opened its outlet at Alexandra, located in a beautiful heritage building outside Anchorpoint. In the evening, Common Man Night Shift takes over to provide after-hours sessions with food and wine.

Turkish Common Man Breakfast 4.5/5

Its menu has been updated with a few dishes. Under Breakfast, we had Turkish Common Man Breakfast ($29). Presented in a rather unusual way but equally tasty. We had a phyllo-wrapped soft-boiled egg on the plate accompanied by 2 crispy feta balls on a bed of green hummus, served with grilled pita bread. The egg was gorgeous with a jammy centre, and the green hummus was well seasoned with a good amount of spice that gave this dish its characteristic flavour profile. The toasted pita bread had a nutty taste, making it a good base for the dish's bold flavours.

Kouign Amann Toast 4/5

For a sweet breakfast item, Kouign Amann Toast ($25) is an excellent alternative to waffles or pancakes, featuring the popular Kouign Amann from TBB crowned with Vanilla ice cream, complete with a classic cherry-chocolaty combination of cherries, plume compote and chocolate sauce. The sprinkle of chocolate granola nuts and almonds gave the dish a delectable crunch and nuttiness.

Conti Sandwich 3/5

Under Lunch offerings, Conti Sandwich ($29) features Foccacia from TBB spread with sundried tomato, and shaved ham and rocket leaves are sandwiched in between. The Foccacia was excellent, with a fluffy and chewy texture and a pronounced rosemary flavour. Though Strataciatella and Pecorino cream were listed on the menu, there was little of it. Overall, it is still a decent sandwich.

Grilled Veggie Salad 3.8/5

Grilled Veggie Salad ($27) was vibrant with savoury and citrusy orange miso dressing and appetizing with a salty punch boosted by an addition of Anchovy cream. It was hearty with charred courgette, burnt cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado and a soft-boiled egg. The salad is topped with pieces of morish parmesan crisp for a textural crunch.

Chilli Chicken 4/5

Chilli Chicken ($32) features a Supreme cut chicken breast, a dish that celebrates warm flavours and that of spices. Despite its lean nature, the chicken breast was exceptionally succulent, enriched with a serving of creamy avocado salsa and starchy smashed sweet potato. The accompanying harissa sauce elevated the bold flavour profile, with peppery rocket leaves and pickle onions to cut through the savoury intensity.

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]

The Mast’ of Mozzarella & Co @ Frasers Tower - Enjoy Mozzarella Freshly Made Daily By The Cheese Master

Launched in Rome in 2015, The Mast’ of Mozzarella & Co has recently opened its first Southeast Asian outpost right here in Singapore at Frasers Tower. In Southern Italian dialect, The Mast’ means cheese master, it is a mozzarella bar and restaurant that houses a delicatessen, osteria, bar and its very own onsite cheese production laboratory! Producing fresh mozzarella, burrata and stracciatella on site daily, all that go the dishes on your table, and if those are not enough, you could always buy them over the counter for takeaway.

Tris Di Bufala 4/5

The menu features a spread of antipasti, salads, homemade pastas, pinse and more to highlight the best of their cheese. What would be one of the best preludes to your experience at The Mast is the Tris Di Bufala ($28) that offers Burrata, Mozzarella and Special Burrata. What first came to us looking like freshly steamed baos, the burrata soon unraveled the pillowy and creamy Stracciatella as we sliced them open. The special burrata is mixed with gorgonzola, an extra depth of flavour which I appreciate even more, given its soft and milky profile. What was equally mesmerizing was the crisp Schiacciata Bread that came smelling of fresh herbs, meant to deliver the cheeses into our senses.

Crostini E Fungi 3.5/5

Their Stracciatella is so fresh, creamy but light at the same time, with it as a base or topping, it can basically wipe out all the fattening creams and mayonnaise from your kitchen. Crostini E Fungi ($16) is easily one of many's favourites, with doses of savouriness and textural contrast from the crunchy Altamura toast to bring out the subtle Stracciatella. But I wish there were a dollop more of the creamy Stracciatella to even out spread across the crostini.

Bigoli 3.8/5

So I got my wish in the homemade Bigoli, tossed simply in in-house tomato Sauce, basil, and a dollop of Stracciatella. This is my favourite pairing in fact, marrying tangy, savoury tomato sauce with the Stracciatella, perhaps much like how you may like salsa and sour cream on your nachos. Hence, I would suggest not to mix all together so as to allow the magic to work in your mouth instead.

Le Schiacciate 3/5

A couple of Rome specialties that you might be keen is the Le Schiacciate, a traditional Roman stuffed bread and Roman flat breads Pinse (akin to pizza). What's good for a light lunch is Mortadella ($18), a Rome version of Ham & Cheese, and a more refined one with mortadella, stracciatella and truffle.

Salmone Scozzese E Zucchine Pinse 3/5

But if you are here to enjoy their cheese and wine with friends, Pinse will be more ideal. We tried Salmone Scozzese E Zucchine Pinse ($18-$22), topped with buffalo mozzarella, smoked salmon, zucchini. The bread and cheese were good, no doubt but after a while, I craved for something much heartier. Even more Zucchini may help.

Campano Burger 3/5

We did have something heavier which was the Campano Burger ($22) - Black Angus patty with Buffalo Mozzarella. The patty was juicy and flavourful. I like the choice of bun too. It was airy with a good crust. However, the dish doesn't quite work in the sense that as a burger, it needs a sharper cheese for a bigger taste profile and for the cheese, it got lost within the burger.

Verdure Grigliate

We also had a round of their Verdure Grigliate which can be bought off the shelves as well - Zucchini, Tomatoes, Artichoke, Aubergine, Mushrooms. Unlike some other brands which the preserved vegetables are slightly towards the vinegary side, these managed to retain quite a bit of their natural taste, in particular the grilled aubergine and mushrooms.

Zuccotto Amerena 3.5/5, Tartufo Bianco 3.5/5

For desserts, I was anticipating for something creative made out of their cheeses. Though that was not fulfilled, the non-cheese desserts were quite satisfying. We had Zuccotto Amerena, a frozen sponge cake with black cherry and vanilla sauce, as well as the Tartufo Bianco, a tartufo sabayon with coffee ice cream and meringue. The first was refreshing with tart cherry, and the latter was pleasing like Tiramisu. Still, nothing would beat if a cheese dessert was served!

If you are lucky enough, you will catch them in action making the cheeses. All menu items together with 125g portions of homemade mozzarella, stracciatella and burrata are available for takeaway.

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.


The Mast’ of Mozzarella & Co
Frasers Tower
182 Cecil Street
#01-05/08
Singapore 069547
Tel: +65 65138010
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 10am - 10pm
(Closed on Sun & PH)

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

Salt Grill & Sky Bar @ Ion Orchard - Introduces Exclusive 5-course Christmas Dinner Menu

Perched on top of ION Orchard 55th level, Salt Grill & Sky Bar provides a classy, upscale rooftop dining experience with exquisite modern Australian cuisine, replete with a swanky bar on the mezzanine floor and a stunning 360 view of the city skyline from the highest point on Orchard Road. Following the exit of Chef Mentor Luke Mangan, Executive Chef Jake Kowalewski takes over the reins with the launch of a new menu infused with Asian inspirations, showcasing his unique take on modern Australian cuisine.

Exclusively available for the coming festive season only on 24 and 25 December, the 5-course Christmas Dinner Menu is priced at $148++ per pax.

Hokkaido Scallop 4.2/5

First up on the appetiser menu, we had the Hokkaido Scallop which comes dressed in nam jin, crustacean oil and puffed rice. While the unique sweet-sour combination is a pleasure to the tastebuds, the addition of crunchy puffed rice provides another textural dimension to the dishful of plump succulence.

Stracciatella 4/5

Next, we had the Stracciatella cheese which comes paired with peach, pickled beetroot slices, drizzled in olive and smoked olive oil. The sweetness from the peach, sourness from the pickled beetrrot and subtle saltiness from the cheese forms a fascinating combination of flavours which left a light, refreshing after-taste in anticipation of the richer mains that come after.

Bangalow Pork 4/5

The Banglow Pork is served with apple & ginger puree, fermented cabbage and verjuice glaze. Sourced from from Bangalow, Australia, the pork is hormone and antibiotic free, boasting tender succulent meat with the curated puree to enhance its flavours.

Whiskey-glazed Wagyu Short Rib 4.5/5

The highlight of the menu is the Whiskey-glazed Wagyu Short Rib served with a side of smoked potato, broad beans and pickled cherry. Dig into the soft luscious meat which falls apart with every forkful and paired excellently with the mashed potato leaving a smoky after-taste. The extremely tender texture and intense flavours of the meat are a result of the 48 hours-cooking process. The addition of pickled cherries contribute a sourish berry surprise to the savoury dish.

Textures of Chocolate 4/5

Lastly, end the meal on a sweet note with the Textures of Chocolate which comes with salted coffee and mascarphone. Delve in the rich bittersweet flavours from the coffee and chocolate, accompanied by a slight hint of saltiness and sweet burst of flavours from the popping candies. Complete the dining experience with their Lanson Brut Black Label Champagne ($88++ per bottle). Original price outside of festive season at $128++.

Details of Christmas Menus
Date: 24 December (Dinner only) & 25 December (Lunch & Dinner)
Time: 1130am to 2pm (Lunch) / 6pm to 945pm (Dinner)
Price: $88++ per person (Three-course Lunch) / $148++ per person (Five-course Dinner)

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.


Salt Grill and Sky Bar
ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 65925118
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 11pm

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

The Sampan @ Boat Quay - Pan Asian Flavours And Avant Garde Cocktails

If I were to just tune up my imagination and visualise a vast white beach in front of me, replacing the Singapore River, this is The Sampan at Bali, not Boat Quay. Though I'm not, with the whitewash tiled walls, wooden furnishing and homeware, former Ku De Ta Bali General Manager, Steve Collinson has quite successfully brought that atmosphere into this 3-storey high restaurant and bar. Drawing inspirations from restaurants and cuisine in Asia, both food and beverages here exude a strong deal of pan Asian flavours and characters.

White Sangria 3/5 and Mango & Chili Smash 4/5

White Sangria ($18) is an elegant cocktail with white wine, june liqueur, clove, calamansi and Asian pear. The woody nuances of the clove stands out which complements the sweetness and acidity of the cocktail. Mango & Chili Smash ($17) surprised me more with its rather simple ingredients - tequila, mango, mint, sugar and lime. It tastes almost like a full-bodied mango juice but accented with an alcoholic bitterness and elevated with refreshing herb, spice and acidity.

Pork and Chicken Choi Bao 4/5

As a start, accompany your cocktails with Light Bites & Salads. I have tried Choi Bao in one of Melbourne's bars before and what's left of that memory is its intensity of wok hei that hit me. If that is the defining trait of this dish, The Sampan's version Pork and Chicken Choi Bao ($3.50/pc) is even more successful with the integration of lap cheong into the pork and chicken bites. The smell of the caramelised dark soy sauce when it is served, will tempt you as much as a plate of black carrot cake.

Mushroom San Choi Bao 3.5/5

A meatless option would be Mushroom San Choi Bao. Texture itself is similar, thanks to the good mix of black fungus, enoki and shitake mushrooms, and the level of wok hei is pretty intense too. But that lap cheong bits are still the winner.

Blue Swimmer Crab and Pomelo Salad 3.8/5

If you like the flavours of Thai and Vietnamese salad, Blue Swimmer Crab and Pomelo Salad ($14) will be right up your alley and beyond, with all the greens adorned with pieces of fresh Blue Swimmer crab meat.

Sichuan Pepper Chicken Spare Ribs 3.8/5

Among wings, drumsticks and spare ribs, I would choose the latter. Sichuan Pepper Chicken Spare Ribs with Spring Onion Salad ($12) is almost like chicken tenders but more succulent and flavourful. The exterior remained crispy even after a while.

Stracciatella and Curried Lentils 4/5

Stracciatella and Curried Lentils ($6/2 pcs) may appear to be modest in many ways but each and every of this modish Pani Puri is a darling to be savoured upon. The original recipe calls for sweet, spicy and tangy flavours, and this unique blend of milky stracciatella cheese, cucumber and mint yogurt and curried lentil, not only hit all the quintessential notes that the original recipe calls for, it is even tastier with the freshness of the yogurt mixture soothing out the spiciness of the curried lentils.

Mini Banh Mi 3.5/5

Similar to Choi Bun, Mini Banh Mi ($12) is small in size but big in flavours. The grilled pork neck was well marinated, with slow cooked pickled cucumber to cut its richness. I like the use of rye bread which is firmer and drier compared to a brioche, giving this rich filling a more balanced support.

Crispy Chili Beef 3/5

Crispy Chili Beef with Green Mango Salad and Crispy Noodles ($18) is too overly done with seasoning and dressing. The wok-fried beef itself is quite salty to begin with and the gluey salad dressing weighs the entire dish down even more. It would have tasted a lot better should the green mango salad be clean of sauce and seasoning, and simply toss in to complement the beef.

Valrhona Chocolate and Tofu Mousse 3.5/5

Mango Pudding 4/5

For desserts, you can't get any more Asian with this Mango Pudding with Coconut Sago and Mango Sorbet ($12). The pudding was almost like a solidified puree and the mango sorbet was mango to the core. On the other hand, the chocolate mousse in the Valrhona Chocolate and Tofu Mousse ($14) with Chai Spiced Shortbread and Passionfruit Curd was quite addictive with its saltish-sweetness, coupled with tang from the passionfruit curd.

Boat Quay does need some rejuvenation and I think The Sampan has come in pretty strong with its concept and offerings. Level 2 and 3 spaces are available for private functions or corporate events as well, if you are keen.

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.


The Sampan
63 Boat Quay
Singapore 049851
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 12midnight
Sat: 430pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Cross the road walk to Upper Circular Road. Walk down Upper Circular Road to North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to the river front. Turn left and walk down Boat Quay. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]