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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Instagram
Website
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]

Avenue 87 @ Amoy Street - The Third Edition Tasting Menu

I am back again at Avenue 87, a modern Asian restaurant opened by co-Chef-Founders Glen Tay and Alex Phan. The duo has recently put together a new menu - Journey Menu (125++) and  Experience Menu ($168++).

Pork Jelly 3.5/5

I had the Experience Menu, kickstarting with several Snacks that showcase the chef's interpretation of the local flavours. For example, the Pork Jelly is inspired by the classic Teochew pig's trotter jelly sandwiched between two thin crispy sheets.

Tofu and Kueh Pie Tie 4/5

Next is the Tofu and Kueh Pie Tie. The Tofu is an interpretation of the mapo tofu substituting the spiciness with Korean chilli paste (gochujang). The Kueh Pie Tie is not a new snack but an elevated one for their love of the local curry fish head. It is Indian-style curry, tangy and packed with aroma from the spices.

Laksa 3.5/5

As for the Laksa sphere, it was an interesting representation of the local flavour topped with caviar and an Indian spiced cracker. Unfortunately, I thought the cracker spices overpowered the appreciation of the laksa flavour.

Uni on Toast 4.2/5

The last snack is the Uni on Toast. A delicious combination that will get one screaming for more.

Foie Gras 4/5

Moving on to the next dish, we have the Foie Gras, which is thick and creamy, paired with Chinese celery, confit tomato and mandarin orange. I like the touch of mandarin orange that helps to refresh the palate.

Duck 4.5/5

One of my favourite courses is the Duck item, a soup dish. Being Chinese, we love our soup. The saltiness from the salted vegetables and heat from the peppercorn made this a delicious pot of soup. You can also find a cabbage roll wrapped with duck meat in it.

Frog Legs 4.2/5

The Frog Legs are my dining companions' favourite dishes. The boneless and tender frog legs are cooked in a beautiful Thai green curry sauce, with the addition of lemongrass and Thai basil for the extra fragrant.

Toothfish 4.5/5

The Toothfish has a sweet buttery flavour similar to cod fish. The beautifully cooked fish is complemented by the crab roe and baijiu sauce, topped with ikura.

Aged Yamaguchi Wagyu

The last savoury dish is the Aged Yamaguchi Wagyu. It is served together with Taiwanese claypot rice with wild mushrooms. Having them together, it felt like having a plate of Asian char siew rice on a plate.

Calpis

Before moving to the dessert, we had the palate cleanser that was sweet and refreshing.

Toast 4.2/5

For dessert, we had a soft and fluffy Toast deep-fried to a crispy exterior, paired excellently with kaya ice cream.

Last, we had the Petite Four to wrap up the dinner. I enjoyed the soft and spongy Mochi coated with peanuts. The Jackfruit Ice Cream Sandwich is as good too.

Overall, I enjoyed the new menu at Avenue 87. Previously, I felt their menu might be hard for customers to accept as it was too focused on local flavours. The new menu is more balance, incorporating more Asian flavours while still showcasing the local flavours in the snack items.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


[CLOSED]
Avenue 87
47 Amoy Street
Singapore 069873
Tel: +65 98388401/ 69705491
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sat 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm
(Closed on Tue, Sun and PH)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

The Bravery @ Amoy Street - Muslim-owned Cafe Reopens at New Location with Refreshed Brunch Menu

The Bravery has moved from Lavender Street, where it has stood for seven years to, a two-storey conservation shophouse along the trendy Amoy Street neighbourhood. The second storey also houses The Bravery’s in-house bakery, which churns out fresh bread and baked goods daily. With a full-service team led by Sous Chef Melvin Lam and award-winning Head Barista Maryvn Tan, customers can expect an elevated menu comprising new dishes, crowd-pleasing signatures, freshly-baked treats and quality brews.

Nova Cheese Toast 4/5

From the brunch menu, we had the Nova Cheese Toast ($16), where lemon and dill cream cheese is spread on house-baked sourdough bread and topped generously with smoked salmon, ikura, and microgreens. The side of silky smooth scrambled eggs was a welcoming addition to this classic brunch dish.

Steak & Eggs 4.2/5

The crowd-favourite Steak & Eggs ($23) was no less impressive as well, with tender grass-fed striploin served with a side of house-baked sourdough toast and sunny side eggs.

Cod en Papillote 3.5/5

The Cod en Papillote ($33) features cod fillet is baked in a paper bag with fennel, seasonal greens, herbs, microgreens, and soy broth to keep the fish tender and moist. It is served with a bowl of furikake-topped rice to complement the fish.

Seafood Alfredo 3.8/5

A dish with an umami punch is the Seafood Alfredo ($20). The creamy al dente spaghetti is complete with Tiger prawn, white clams, crab meat, ikura, and a crustacean oil made in-house by infusing roasted shellfish into olive oil.

Hojicha Milk 4/5, Dirty Matcha 4/5

The Bravery serves up signatures like the ever-popular Lavender Latte ($6.50) along with new offerings such as Hojicha Milk ($6.50) and Dirty Matcha ($7). Using beans from Allpress Espresso in Melbourne, which boasts of rich, chocolate notes with a full-bodied flavour, each cup of joe makes for the ideal morning or midday pick-me-up.

Gateau au Chocolat 4/5

We round off our meal on a sweet note with their variety of desserts. Available all day, the bakery churns out a wide range of bread, cakes and pastries, such as the crowd-pleasing Gateau au Chocolat ($6.90 per slice) filled with rich chocolatey decadence.

Lemon Meringue Pie 4/5

The Lemon Meringue Pie is enjoyable as well, with a lightly torched meringue atop, soft, tangy curd and crumbly base.

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.


The Bravery
50 Amoy St
Singapore 069876
Tel: +65 93882973
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 8am - 6pm
Fri-Sun: 8am - 9pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg @ One Raffles Place Shopping Mall - Premium Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef Hamburgs At Affordable Prices

Farm-to-table restaurant Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg at One Raffles Place Shopping Mall offers hamburgs made from premium cuts of A5 wagyu fresh from Japan. Under the same brand which runs Hong Kong’s well-known speciality yakiniku joint, Syohachi Yakiniku, Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg prides itself in its farm-to-table concept. This is made possible as they own an exclusive partnership with Japan’s award-winning Hidakami Ranch in the Japanese prefecture of Miyagi-ken, allowing them access to exquisite cuts of Japanese A5 Wagyu beef.

Other than Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg, buttery Japanese thick toasts can also be found on their menu. To ensure the freshness of every dish served and to keep up with the lunch crowd, Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg’s offerings vary from breakfast to lunch to dinner. The Breakfast Menu runs from morning till 11.30am, while Lunch Menu is between 11.30am to 2.30pm, followed by an Afternoon Tea & Dinner Menu starting from 2.30pm onwards to closing. So be sure to catch the right timing to avoid disappointment. And also, each set meal comes with a free-flow salad buffet which unfortunately has to be revised to portioned salads due to the Covid-19 situation. Once the situation allows for it, Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg will implement its free-flow salad buffet.

Japanese A5 Wagyu Hamburg Steak Set 3.8/5

The signature Japanese A5 Wagyu Hamburg Steak Set ($16.50), available from 11.30am onward, comes with fresh mixed green salad, seasonal Japanese pickles and Japanese steamed rice with Syohachi’s signature beef gravy. At first glance, the hamburg looked kind of 'naked' compared to the usual hamburgs served in a hot plate with sauces. That said, as a fast-casual concept in the CBD area, it does make sense to make it more fuss-free and takeaway friendly. Prepared upon order, its beefy flavour and juicy texture say a lot about its quality.

Japanese Steamed Rice with Syohachi’s Signature Beef Gravy

But what stood out of this set meal was the humble bowl of Japanese steamed rice with Syohachi’s signature beef gravy served at the side. The gravy had a perfect consistency, keeping the rice plump and pearly with a nice bite to it. I love the onions in it, which had been thoroughly softened and left to impart sweetness into the gravy. There were morsels of mushrooms as well, which added a depth of flavour and a textural bite to the rice.

Wagyu Beef Toastie with Cheddar Cheese and Egg Omelette 4/5

For a less than usual breakfast, afternoon snack or light dinner, try its Syohachi Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef Toastie ($7.70 ala carte/$10.70 set). A cut of A5 wagyu beef patty sandwiched in between two thick buttery slices of white bread. The oomph factor was definitely there when I had it with an extra top-up of a serving of cheddar cheese and egg omelette. All add-ons are priced at $1 per serving. For Japanese Butter Toasties, their sets come with a fresh mixed green salad, seasonal Japanese pickles and crispy tater tots. (Not available for lunch.)

Japanese Egg Omelette and Cheddar Cheese Toastie 3.8/5

Even if you ain't in the mood for meat, its Japanese Egg Omelette and Cheddar Cheese Toastie ($6.50 ala carte/$9.50 set) will leave you just as satisfied. Served hot from the grill, the molten cheese that oozed out whet my appetite instantly. The omelette, however, wasn't as fluffy as expected, and I felt the white slices of bread could be less charred as well to retain some of their softness. (The set is available all day, and Ala Carte is not available during lunch hours.)

Chunky Peanut Butter with Condensed Milk Toastie 3.8/5

Reminiscent of a Hongkong style toast, this Chunky Peanut Butter with Condensed Milk Toastie ($5 ala carte/$8 set) hit all the right spots with its savoury, crunchy peanut butter and creamy condensed milk without being too cloying. I would prefer a softer bread though, to cradle the oozy filling much better. (Not available during lunch hours)

Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg is celebrating its opening with a 50% OFF promotion on selected sets featuring Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef from 23 to 25 October for both dine-in and takeaway. Selected sets featuring their premium Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef will be on offer at different time periods:

- Breakfast (8.30am-11.30am): 50% OFF Wagyu Beef Toastie Set
- Lunch (11.30am-2.30pm): 50% OFF Wagyu Hamburg Steak Set
- Afternoon Tea & Dinner (2.30pm-8.30pm): 50% OFF Wagyu Beef Toastie Set or Wagyu Hamburg Steak Set

Terms & Conditions apply: Simply follow @syohachi_wagyu_hamburg on Instagram or Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg SG on Facebook to redeem the promotion. Limited to one redemption 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. Note: This is an invited tasting. 


Syohachi Wagyu Hamburg
One Raffles Place
1 Raffles Place
#01-01
Singapore 048616
Tel: +65 6223 0755
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily 830am - 830pm
830am -830pm daily

Direction:
Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

The English House By Marco Pierre White @ Mohamed Sultan Road - Launches New Weekend Breakfast Menu With Comfort Classical English Fare

An elegant colonial-style restaurant nestled along Mohammad Sultan Road, The English House by Marco Pierre White adjoins two beautiful restored shophouses and serves up traditional English fare. Helmed by British celebrity chef Marco Pierre White, the English House is his first restaurant in Asia. Who you may ask is Marco Pierre White? The first and youngest British chef to be awarded Three Michelin Stars at age 32. He has also trained famous chefs such as Mario Batali and Gordon Ramsay.

The restaurant may be easily missed due to the surrounding lush foliage and lack of signage - we initially mistook it for a private residence. Head up the flight of stairs past the greenery, and step into the 19th-century building - you'd feel like you've entered another dimension back in time. The gorgeous space is decked in a colonial English chic and local-inspired touches, furnished with round marble-top tables and wooden chairs, while knick-knacks and antiques from England fill up the corners. The spacious restaurant can accommodate up to 150 diners and consists of three main dining sections with a private room.

Classic Eggs Benedict 4.2/5

One of their popular breakfast dishes is the Classic Eggs Benedict ($20) with perfectly oozy golden egg yolk, slathered in a rich hollandaise sauce atop Wiltshire ham. It turned out to be my favourite too.

Traditional Full English Breakfast 4/5

The English House has done their version of the iconic English breakfast well with the Traditional Full English Breakfast ($25). The hearty dish features breakfast essentials of a sunny-side-up, crispy toast, sausages, mushroom, bacon, a juicy tomato and fluffy crumpet. With each component executed excellently, it is perfect for if you desire a satisfying plate of comfort food on a lazy weekend morning.

Crushed Avocado with Coriander on Toast 4/5

The Crushed Avocado with Coriander on Toast ($18) features a generous portion of creamy avocado which pairs perfectly with the oozy golden yolk. A well-executed yet straightforward dish, it is a must-order if you’re a great fan of avocado.

The recently launched Weekend Breakfast Menu is available from 8.30am - 2pm on Saturdays, and 8.30am - 11am on Sundays.

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.


The English House by Marco Pierre White
28 Mohamed Sultan Rd
Singapore 238972
Facebook
Website
Tel: +65 65454055/ 90213170
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 530 - 11pm
Sat: 830am - 11am, 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sun: 830am - 11am, 1130am - 8pm
(Closed on Mon)

Directions: 
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down River Valley Road to Mohammed Sultan Road. Turn left onto Mohammed Sultan Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Three Buns Quayside @ The Quayside - Potato Head Family's First Stand-alone Restaurant For Their Award-Winning Burgers

Three Buns Quayside is Potato Head Family's first stand-alone location in Singapore for their award-winning burger and cocktail brand. This new home in Robertson Quay features a newly curated menu with a combination of exclusive items and popular signatures, alongside with weekend brunch menu and crafted tropical cocktails.

Aligned with Potato Head Family ethos of “Good Times, Do Good”, the 80-seat burger bar is fitted with upcycled interiors from bottom up. You will find yourself walking on eco-friendly cement, sitting and dining on sustainably made furniture handcrafted by Indonesian artisans.

All burgers here are made from scratch, and by that they mean 95% of the menu handmade including ketchup! That's possible because Executive Chef Adam has honed his craft at Lonsdale in London which is known for making burgers from scratch. Each patty is made from two prime cuts of grass-fed Australian meat, seasoned with kosher salt and that's it. What bind the buns and patties together are the homemade sauces such as the piquant Three Islands Mayo (mayo, ketchup, sriracha), premium cheeses from US, UK and Greece, and really interesting relish which you will find out as you make your way into the burgers.

Bun DMC 3.8/5

The new burgers are exclusive to this outlet, and there seems to be a head-to-head battle between Bun DMC ($16) and Da Cheese Master ($15). Bun DMC stood out with its refreshing home-made watermelon rind relish and bore an interesting identity with the layer of bawang goreng (fried shallots) sprinkled on top of the onion puree. The Three Islands Mayo (mayo, ketchup, sriracha) is creamy, sweet with a hint of spice, bringing all the ingredients together with the help of the sharp melted cheese.

Da Cheese Master 3.8/5

Da Cheese Master was fun and messier with gooey double cheddar and homemade ketchup. The double cheddar wasn't too strong, it only made this burger hearty and finger-linking good. The humble ketchup really brought the ingredients together. It was sweet and tangy, and worked well with the charred onions in supporting the black Angus beef patty.

Red Man 3.8/5

There is a reason why Red Man Burger (Beef Rendang) ($28) is priced much higher than the rest. Between the special coconut buns is a slab of beef cheek which has been sous vide for 24 hours in a sweet and spicy blend of over 10 spices and ingredients that has been stewed for 2 hours. My teeth sunk through the beef cheeks as I took a bite. The sauce was robust but not at all overpowering. I love the pickled cucumber and slaws at both side of the beef cheeks which brighten up the taste. However, at some point, I felt the meat had lost a little of its natural juice and flavour, perhaps as a result of sous vide. I couldn't really taste the coconut profile of the buns either, which is a pity. Overall, beef cheeks may still be best to stand as a dish in its own rather than in a burger.

Smokin-B-Boy 3.5/5

Smokin-B-Boy is Potato Head's signature burger with the classic combination of smokey bacon and beef patty. Again, the sauce in between heighten the profile of the meat. My vote still goes to either Bun DMC and Da Cheese Master, for that piquancy which is missing in this classic.

Truffello 3/5

Truffello ($15) is a meat-free burger with Portobello mushrooms replacing the beef patty. As much as I like the pickled onions and cold slaw in between, it hasn't changed my mind towards a meat-free burger. I still see it as a healthy, mushroom sandwich.

Truffle Hound 2.8/5

Seng Dog 2.8/5

A few new bites to go with your drinks. Truffle Hound ($15) and Seng Dog ($12). Once can choose between beef or chicken sausage. If you really want to try a hotdog, then the latter may be a better choice with its matcha bun.

Miso Dirty Fries 3/5

What's more exciting than those hotdogs are these Miso Dirty Fries ($9) and Naughty Fries. The fries are fried potato slices, first comes dressed in miso béarnaise, smoked chicken sausage, chicken floss, chives, scallions and pickle chilli, while the latter is topped with ayam chicken, marinated in a spicy and tangy Korean BBQ sauce. Albeit the overly seasoned potatoes, both are great change from the usual bites.

Crackalacka Corn 3/5

As for the Crackalacka Corn, you can throw that in if you want to boost your vegetables intake.

Somebody told me that burgers and milkshakes together is one of the best marriages ever, and Three Buns’ elevates that with two new boozy milkshakes – the bananas-based 3 Monkeys ($18) and chocolate-filled Aye Sailor ($18) made with house-made vanilla ice cream. 3 Monkeys is definitely sugar overloaded hence i would recommend Aye Sailor for its rich chocolaty taste enhanced by chocolate bitters. Non-alcoholic version is available as while, great for the kids for families coming for their weekend brunch.

Sticky Icky Wicky 3/5

A few desserts available to sweeten up your meals, though I feel I rather have my indulgent milkshake. Never mind the rest and go for the Sticky Icky Wicky, a sticky pudding that comes piping hot with a layer of caramelized gula melaka which cools and releases the sweetness in your mouth as the ice cream melts.

As mentioned, brunch is available as well, on every Saturday and Sunday from 11am-4pm. What caught my eyes was Beet It. The striking pink hues atop of the salmon toast is beets & horseradish, which is really rare to find in Singapore and it costs a premium to bring fresh horseradish in. Blueberry Basic ($15) is buttermilk pancakes with not your maple syrup but a special housemade sauce made with vanilla salt, vanilla pods, thyme and coffee ground. So, nothing here is that basic afterall.

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.


Three Buns Quayside
60 Robertson Quay
#01-01
Singapore 238252
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 5pm - 12midnight
Sat-Sun: 11am - 12midnight
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop along Upper Cross Road, Opposite Subordinate Court (Stop ID 06171). Take bus number 51 or 186. Alight1 stops later. Cross the road. Cross the river and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to junction of River Valley Road and Clemenceau Avenue. Cross the road. Turn left and walk to the river. At the river, turn right and walk down the river. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]